Development of Bio-Straw from Potato and Cassava: A sustainable
Alternative
Objective of the Research
The objective of this study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of developing
an environmental friendly, sustainable, and easily accessible alternative to
plastics made entirely out of potato and cassava starch. Specifically, this
research aims to:
1. Develop bio-straw Using a combination of potato starch, cassava starch
and water, the mixture would go through an experimental process involving
extracting and purifying, mixing, molding and finally, boiling.
2. Observe and analyze its physical and chemical properties The
development of bio-straw would then go through physical and chemical
experimentation to analyze its durability, feasibility, and biodegradability.
3. Comparison of the performance of bio-straw to other commercial plastics
straw in terms of environmental impact and consequences.
Target of the research
The target of this research is to develop an eco-friendly and sustainable
alternative to plastic straws by incorporating potato and cassava starch into a
mixture. It aims to reduce our plastic waste and promote sustainability over
wastefulness. This research focuses on: 1. Plastic users and consumers who
are in search for an eco-friendly and biodegradable alternative 2. The
environment itself is harmed by the plastic waste, this study aims to provide a
solution to these problems.
Target Respoonders
The target respondents of this research consist of twenty five (25)
participants. The researchers used non-probability sampling method, the data
gathered from this study will be obtained from twenty five (25) students from
Liceo de
Liliw starting from grade 7 until Senior high school grades 11 to 12.
Overview of the Research
Plastic pollution is an environmental issue that still affects the environment
today. From packaging materials to produce bags, furniture, toys, appliances,
and plastic, these materials are present in all kinds of products due to their
durability, ability to be molded into different forms, and their ability to take up
to 200 years to decompose. Many applications plastics are commonly used in
the production of drinking straws, which are widely used in restaurants, coffee
shops, and at larger gatherings, as well as at home due to their convenience
and affordability. In response, the researchers are exploring the
biodegradable alternatives using agricultural resources such as potato and
cassava. These crops are rich in starch, making them ideal for creating
biodegradable materials such as Bio-Straw. The process involves cleaning
the main materials and extracting and purifying the starch, mixing it with water
and coloring, kneading it into dough, then starting the molding process, boiling
it for 2 minutes, and finally drying it naturally using sunlight, air, or wind. This
research aims to develop an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to plastic
straws using organic materials such as potato and cassava. It can also reduce
our plastic waste and promote sustainability.
Materials to be used
Potato & Cassava - Starch source (building blocks).
Water - Solvent (mixes ingredients).
Grinder/Blender Breaks down starch.
Strainer - Removes lumps.
Bowl & Pot - Mixing and heating.
Food Coloring - Adds color.
Straw Mould - Shapes the bio-plastic.
Short introduction
The use of plastics has been considered a norm in our everyday lives.
Plastics are widely used in a lot of products, from packaging such as
produce bags, to electrical machinery such as television and
microwave, to safety gears such as helmets and goggles to furniture
and toys and so on. Plastics are made of synthetic materials which
consist of long chains of molecules which are then linked together and
are generally made of petroleum. Plastics offer versatility and
durability, allowing them to be molded into various shapes and forms.
Plastics are primarily used in the production of drinking straws. Plastic
straws have become a necessity in our everyday lives. They are used
everywhere from coffee shops to restaurants to large gatherings and
even family meals. Not only do they offer convenience and
affordability, they have also become a part of our modern lifestyle.
Although plastic straws offer a wide range of benefits, plastic straws
also pose a threat in our environment. These impacts various
ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. Plastic straws take 200 years
to decompose making it harmful to the environment. This study aims
to prevent this harm by developing a biodegradable, eco-friendly, and
sustainable alternative by means of Potato and Cassava starch. Being
renowned for its high starch content, Potato and Cassava can be
used to create biodegradable bio-straws.
