Intro to Bioplastics

Think about all the plastic objects that you use on a daily basis. Where did they come from, and what will their life span be? While it is easy to consume plastic materials it isn’t as easy to get more information about the plastics we use.

Join Genspace for a hands-on foray into the world of bioplastics. Bioplastics are plastics made from renewable biomass sources such as such as vegetable fats and oils, corn starch, straw, woodchips, food waste, and more. In this workshop, we will discuss the history, challenges, and future of plastic, and we will experiment with a variety of DIY bioplastic recipes. You will learn about the criteria people in industry use to measure the health and toxicity of their products, the initial processes used in the material sciences, and ways to get started in your own kitchen. Each participant will make a mold and go home with their own plastic item that is edible and will easily biodegrade.

We strongly encourage participants to bring your own molds (silicone works really nicely for this workshop).

COVID-19 Safety Notice: As many of you have heard, New York City will be lifting the indoor mask mandate and vaccine mandate beginning March 7, and individual businesses can set their own guidelines. Genspace has decided to continue our mask and vaccine requirement for both participants and staff for the time being. We made this decision to protect our staff and participants, who may be immunocompromised or caring for loved ones who are at risk. We will re-evaluate this policy on April 15. We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding to keep our community safe.

Participants age 5+ must show proof of full vaccination (we recommend using the Excelsior Pass). This is a socially-distanced event. Masks are required to be worn for the duration of the event. If you are feeling unwell, suspect that you have been exposed to COVID-19 or test positive, please do not attend. You can find a list of symptoms and a self-checker tool on the CDC website. Upon entry, guests are required to fill out our COVID-19 health screening form and show a vaccination card.

If you have had COVID-19 within the past 15 days, a negative PCR test is required before coming to Genspace. Please show Genspace staff your proof of negative PCR test results. Rapid tests and minimum quarantine period of 5 days are not accepted without a negative PCR test. Given the rapidly changing circumstances surrounding the pandemic, please note that terms of this event are subject to change, and we will update you ASAP.

COVID-19 Class Cancellation Policy

If you test positive or suspect you have COVID, please let us know ASAP ([email protected]). If you cancel after our 7-day policy, we cannot refund your ticket, but we can exchange and offer credits toward future classes. If you have signed up for Biohacker Boot Camp, we will automatically transfer your registration to the next month’s dates unless you tell us otherwise. For all other classes, we will provide a personalized discount code to apply the cost of your class to a future workshop of your choice.

Aradhita Parasrampuria (she/her) is a sustainable materials researcher and textile designer originally from India, based in New York. With the goal of establishing a circular system of biodegradable material products, Aradhita creates scientific, eco-friendly, ethical, and affordable textiles to help replace toxic petroleum-based products. She works primarily with organisms such as kelp, Escherichia coli, and mycelium. She is the recipient of the New School Research Fund and the Aronson Fellowship from Tishman Environment and Design Center. Her work has been featured in CFDA, No-K*ll Magazine, New York Design Week, Mana Contemporary, and Talking Textiles.

Follow her on Instagram @aradhitapara

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Genspace, 132 32nd Street, Brooklyn, United States