Improving for Everyone

As microplastics pose a serious threat to both human health and the environment, addressing the challenge of single-use plastics has become increasingly urgent. Better For All’s innovative reusable and home-compostable cups, which will soon be introduced at various stadiums, are set to revolutionize the industry.

The issues surrounding plastic

For many, it is challenging to recall a day without engaging with some form of single-use plastic. From plastic bags and bottled beverages to take-out containers and medical gear, these items are omnipresent, invading spaces we once considered safe.

Since the onset of mass production in the 1940s, plastics have become deeply integrated into our lives due to their convenience, affordability, and versatility. However, their poor ability to decompose has led to an escalating environmental and health crisis.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that 35.7 million tons of plastic waste is generated annually in the United States. Because plastics don’t decompose, waste from landfills and other sources gradually turns into microplastics that contaminate our soil, air, and water sources.

Microplastics, defined as plastic fragments less than 5 millimeters in size, can have disproportionate effects on the environment. In its 2024 Global Risks Report, the World Economic Forum highlighted microplastic pollution as the tenth most significant threat, advocating for urgent intervention.

Moreover, the limited 9 percent of plastics that are recycled still contribute to the microplastic issue since the recycling process can generate additional microplastics. In the US, plastic recycling processes are responsible for potentially creating around 400,000 tons of microplastics each year.

Significantly, plastics account for 60 to 80 percent of the waste floating in marine environments and about 90 percent of oceanic debris. The United Nations Environment Programme notes that approximately 23 million tons of plastic waste infiltrate the world’s waterways every year.

Microplastics are not just confined to oceans; they have invaded terrestrial ecosystems as well, jeopardizing crop health. The release of hazardous pollutants from microplastics highlights their wide-ranging impact on our oceans, lands, air, and the food we consume.

The impact on human health

Microplastics, while detrimental to environmental health, also present substantial risks to human well-being. Estimates suggest that the average American ingests over 70,000 microplastic particles annually. These tiny fragments enter our bodies through various sources, including seafood, bottled water, and even inhaled air. Research has found microplastics in human blood, breast milk, and vital organs.

Although our understanding of microplastics’ effects on human health is still evolving, preliminary studies indicate serious concerns. A 2023 study concluded that microplastics could disrupt crucial biological functions, affect the endocrine and immune systems, hinder reproduction and development, and potentially contribute to cancer. Research published in the New England Journal of Medicine has linked microplastics to heart disease, strokes, and mortality.

A troubling trend has emerged regarding human longevity and aging. A 2025 report from the University of New Mexico Health Sciences noted a 50 percent increase in microplastics found in human brains over the past eight years, with dementia patients exhibiting ten times the amount present in the general population.

To safeguard the health of both our environment and ourselves, what changes can we make given our reliance on the convenience that plastic offers?

Better for individuals, better for everyone

Taking a proactive approach to combat the plastic crisis is Pasadena-based Better For All. The company has introduced a reusable and biodegradable cup intended to replace the estimated 120 billion single-use plastic cups utilized by Americans each year.

“I saw the issue of single-use products as a significant challenge worth addressing,” states CEO Bob Meers. “Historically, the cup manufacturing process has generated about 40 percent waste, which I find unacceptable.”

Better For All is focusing on PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate), a nontoxic, reusable material that withstands heat up to 212 F and composts at home. This innovative biopolymer is created using fermentation microorganisms.

Meers observed that PHA, often used in the medical sector, could provide a solution to a widespread problem, emphasizing the importance of incorporating the product’s end-of-life into its design. “We’d like to find applications that exploit PHA’s potential,” states Raegan Kelly, Head of Product. “It can compost anaerobically, meaning it will biodegrade in environments with little to no oxygen.”

A key advantage of Better For All’s reusable cups is their ability to compost in residential settings. While other products may claim to be compostable, many require commercial facilities to do so correctly. However, Better For All’s cups can decompose in backyard compost piles without harming the soil. Even if they ultimately end up in a landfill, these cups will naturally biodegrade, releasing no harmful substances.

Composed of plant materials and designed to return to the earth, Better For All’s reusable cup aims to replace traditional single-use plastic cups—making its debut in venues near you.

The main attraction

While individual efforts are commendable, Meers and Kelly recognize that to effect real change, a broader approach is necessary. Recently, they partnered with the Oak View Group to address a significant contributor to plastic waste—sports and entertainment venues.

Watchdog reports reveal that a typical stadium disposes of around 800,000 plastic cups during a year of concerts and uses over 571,659 cups in a single NFL season. The Oak View Group, which promotes sustainability across venues like Prudential Center, Dodger Stadium, Fenway Park, Wrigley Field, and Citi Field, reports an average waste diversion rate of 32% through reuse, recycling, and composting.

“Using stadiums as influencers, we could potentially reach thousands of patrons at once,” remarks Meers. “Raegan has designed an aesthetically pleasing cup that prompts curiosity. Once people realize they’re holding a fully compostable cup, it makes a lasting impact.”

By introducing Better For All’s compostable cups, venues have an opportunity to dramatically reduce their microplastics footprint, all while preserving the convenience of enjoying beverages during events. Next time you attend a concert or cheer for your team, you might find yourself celebrating something remarkable—sustainability.

This article originally appeared in the May 2025 edition of Daitrl magazine.