There might be hope for us yet.

We seem to have reached a point where most everybody has admitted — even if only in some general way — that it’s time to get serious about environmental responsibility. To make this work will require not only individuals doing their part but also a hardcore commitment from businesses and manufacturers, in the form of intense technological innovation.

Panasonic seems to get that.

They’ve discovered a way to recycle plastic by turning it into a harmless gas. Aside from the fact that this is further proof that we’re already living in the future, this strikes me as an emerging technology with incredible implications.

Imagine the possibilities of harnessing this on a large scale. What if we could do it with used tires? Old stereos? Old space heaters? All of the plastic items we really don’t know what to do with now?

Someone will make a ton of money figuring it out. And they will deserve every cent.