Those disposable plastic rain ponchos come in handy, but then they pile up as waste. There’s a bioplastic alternative from a company called Equilicua, based in Spain. The company creates a spud raincoat made from bioplastic derived from potato starch and other natural, renewable resources.
While it’s disposable, the poncho can be used many times before it’s tossed in the garden. Once it’s served its purpose you can throw it in the compost pile. Once specific temperature, light and humidity conditions typical of a compost pile or trash heap are met, the bioplastic poncho begins biodegradation.
In addition to the composting, there’s also seeds imbedded in the poncho to bring forth new growth. Seeds used are typically for herbs, flowers, trees and Mediterranean bushes. The seeds are encapsulated in small clay balls which contain nutrients to stop the seeds from becoming feed for birds, and otherwise protects the seeds until they’re ready to be grown. This technique is called Nendo Dango, and was invented by Japanese microbiologist, Masanoba Fukuoka.
Information printed on the rain poncho educates the wearer on the benefits of bioplastic, composting, biodegradable materials and adding new growth to the ecosystem.
Equilicua Official Website
[via trendcentral: November Rain]