Should I be depressed?

Discussion in 'Off-Topic Discussion' started by BB3, Jun 3, 2025.

  1. BB3

    BB3 Total Gardener

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    I was sorting through my old sandals - it's that time of year. I came across a couple of favourite pairs that still looked good. But they hid a murky secret. The leather on the outside was fine but they must have been painted on the inside with a plasticky paint which is crumbling off.
    Should I be glad that I'm outliving biodegradable plastic or depressed that I'm living long enough to see my things decompose?
     
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    • Obelix-Vendée

      Obelix-Vendée Total Gardener

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      Happy for an excuse to go and buy new sandals made from leather or cloth and no plastic liners?
       
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      • BB3

        BB3 Total Gardener

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      • wiseowl

        wiseowl Amicable and friendly Admin Staff Member

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        Good morning @BB3 you should be very glad because according to BBC Science Focus, biodegradable plastics take only three to six months to fully decompose, far quicker than traditional plastic that can take hundreds of years:smile:
         
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        • Jungle Jane

          Jungle Jane Starved Of Technicolor

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          I take it you don't have a compost bin then?
           
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          • Tidemark

            Tidemark Total Gardener

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            I’m always happier being depressed.
             
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            • Michael Hewett

              Michael Hewett Total Gardener

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              The alternative would be to die before the decomposition began, but I'm sure you're glad to be still alive in spite of the decomposing plastic.
               
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              • Obelix-Vendée

                Obelix-Vendée Total Gardener

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                In NZ they've found a fungus that eats plastic. Imagine that getting at your jellies @BB3.
                 
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                • BB3

                  BB3 Total Gardener

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                • NigelJ

                  NigelJ Total Gardener

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                  There are bacteria and fungi all over the world that can "eat" plastic. The problem is they often have material they prefer to breakdown in the same area. They also breakdown plastics slowly and reproduce slowly.
                  The first researchers to take writable CD's, for data storage, to the Amazon jungle ran into problems with fungi attacking them and spreading between the layers of polycarbonate.
                   
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