8. Text 1
In 2010, researchers estimated that 8 billion kg of plastic entered the ocean in a single year, and that number would sharply increase by 2025. When it enters the ocean, plastic waste disrupts marine ecosystems, travels to central locations, and forms a trash island which can cover an area of more than 1.6 million square km. These plastics never degrade, but rather break up into smaller sizes. They eventually become microplastics that stay in the environment for hundreds of years.
Scientists at the University of California San Diego have invented a new biodegradable material that is designed to replace the commonly used plastics. The material started to biodegrade in seawater within four weeks. The team found that various marine organisms colonize the material and break it into nutrients for their consumption.
The research of this new plastic is joined by experts in biology, chemistry, and marine science. They have shown that it is possible to make durable plastics that also can degrade in the ocean. Plastics should not be going into the ocean in the first place. But now, if they do, this new plastic can become food for microorganisms and not harmful trash.
Which of the following statements is an opinion from Text 1?
a. These plastics never degrade, but rather break up into smaller sizes.
b. Recycling plastic not only helps the environment and reduces trash, but it also creates more jobs.
c. Plastics should not be going into the ocean in the first place.
d. They eventually become microplastics that stay in the environment for hundreds of years.
e. Customers are happy to sleep well and use a product that benefits the environment.