Here is an interesting solution that could solve two problems. First, what do you do with all those lobster shells that must pile up at various seafood restaurants – at least the higher end versions that serve real lobster? Second, driving golf balls into the ocean probably isn’t that good of an idea – there was that Seinfeld episode that explained why.
So how about golf balls made of lobster shells? In a word, brilliant!
That’s exactly the result that a team from the University of Maine – a place likely known for its lobster – has come up, golf balls made from the shells of last night’s supper. Chemical Engineering Professor David Neivandt and undergrad Alex Caddell, working with The Lobster Insititute, created the biodegradable balls, which are made from crushed waste shells, a binder and coating.
The shells, which come from the canning industry, would otherwise end up as landfill. The result is one that saves space in the landfills and could save money for those looking to do some driving. Traditional biodegradable balls cost about $1, where as these only add up (material cost) to 19 cents. One reported drawback is that these won’t have quite the same performance of regular balls and thus aren’t really good for actual play, but for driving into the sea, it is someone fitting that the balls are made from the shells of lobsters.
[Via Gizmag: Biodegradable golf balls made from lobster shells]
The Lobster Institute Official Website