These days, many people are concerned about plastic waste; however, the convenience and cost of plastic food packaging are hard to beat. But now, a growing number of inventors and companies are trying to make edible — or eatable — packaging and tableware from foods like seaweed, milk proteins and potato starch.

Edible films, wrappers and straws have already found a specialty market and are starting to attract attention from larger food and drink companies, according to researcher Prachi Patel. At the 2019 London Marathon, the start-up company Notpla handed out sports drink, packaged in seaweed-based capsules, to thirsty runners. Although the packaging is safe to swallow, runners can choose to spit out the film. In that case, it biodegrades(生物降解) in only 4—6 weeks. The New York-based company Loliware is making seaweed and algae(藻类)-based straws that feel like plastic for 24 hours after getting wet. Once used, they can be eaten, or they will degrade in the environment within 2 months. Marriott Hotels and alcoholic-beverage firm Pernod Ricard have already started using the straws.

Although edible packaging is gaining ground, challenges remain. Some worry about the hygiene(卫生) of eating packaging that has been touched or exposed to germs during transport or while sitting on the shelf. Experts agree that edible packaging will require an outer layer, but these materials could also be made from continual materials, such as paper. Another obstacle is public acceptance: will people eat something that is usually thrown away? Consumers could perhaps be convinced if the packaging includes nutrients, such as vitamins or proteins, or just tastes good. And finally, improvements in heat and moisture(湿度) stability need to be made before edible packaging can enjoy widespread use.

【小题1】Why is plastic packing widely used despite public concern?

A．It contains a lot.	B．It’s cheap.
C．It’s easy to degrade.	D．It keeps food longer.

【小题2】What do seaweed-based capsules and straws have in common?

A．They are very profitable.	B．They are both degradable.
C．They both feel like plastic.	D．They are both a hit with kids.

【小题3】What needs to be done before edible packaging is widely used?

A．To produce it in large quantities.

B．To add a plastic outer layer to it.

C．To make it taste as good as vitamins.

D．To make sure it’s stable in hot and wet conditions.

【小题4】Where is this text most likely from?

A．A diary.	B．A guidebook.
C．A novel.	D．A magazine.