Chew on This: Is There Plastic in That Gum?

Gum is a simple item you may use to freshen your breath after a meal. But did you know its ingredients are not simple, and one country has banned gum because of environmental damage?

STORY AT-A-GLANCE

• Chewing gum is a popular item, yet estimates are 75% of people do not know there are fossil-fuel-based plastic chemicals in the product. The chemicals are so damaging to the environment that Singapore banned chewing gum in 1992

• Gum base includes plastics and waxes. Most chewing gum is also sweetened with artificial sweeteners, including …