it might seem hard to believe, but how to deal with plastic problem may lie in prickly pear cactuses. researchers in mexico are making plastic out of cactus. the plastic made out of prickly-pear juice breaks down in weeks rather than centuries. several companies are interested in collaborating with the researcher, who has applied for a patent for this technology. it means prickly pear plastic bags could make it to grocery stores in just a matter of years.