Not So Bio? The Bioplastic Question

Are bioplastics actually saving the ocean, or are we falling for greenwashing? In the first episode of Passionary, Alejandro and Ishita sit down and dive deep into this topic with Angélica Aguirre, a Peruvian marine biologist and PhD researcher at the University of Exeter, whose passion for protecting marine life led her to test whether the so-called sustainable alternatives to plastic are truly safe.

Angélica breaks down the different generations of bioplastics, how even biodegradable materials can release CO2 and acidify seawater, and reveals what Pacific oyster larvae can tell us about the health of our oceans.

The conversation spans the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, the psychology behind consumer habits across Peru, the UK, and the Galapagos Islands, and why circular economy thinking matters more than ever. Angélica also shares how a childhood rivalry sparked a lifelong love for science, and why being gentle with yourself is essential on the road to doing meaningful work.