Say goodbye to Orbeez! Discover green new ammo for gel launchers.

Introduction

In today's world, environmental protection has become a hot topic of global concern. From stringent government policies to the public's active practice of waste sorting and green travel, environmental awareness is becoming increasingly widespread. Statistics show that over the past few years, the number of people participating in environmental activities worldwide has been increasing year by year, and public awareness of environmental issues has reached an all-time high.

Against this backdrop, gel launcher enthusiasts are beginning to consider how to contribute to environmental protection while enjoying their games. While Orbeez, a commonly used ammunition for gel launchers, provides an exciting gaming experience, its environmental impact cannot be ignored. Therefore, finding environmentally friendly alternatives to Orbeez has become a common concern for many gel launcher players.

The Environmental Impact of Orbeez

What are Orbeez?

Orbeez, also known as "Water Baby" or "Water-Absorbing Bullet" in Chinese, are small beads made of a water-absorbing polymer. Their remarkable ability to expand rapidly upon contact with water can increase their volume several or even dozens of times, transforming from tiny particles into plump, elastic gel-like spheres that are vibrantly colored and adorable. This unique property has led to its application in various fields, particularly in gel-launched games, where it is widely used as ammunition. Players enjoy the thrill of launching Orbeez from a gel-launched gun, experiencing the thrill of competition in simulated battles. Furthermore, due to its appearance and tactile feel, Orbeez are also commonly used in children's toys, decorative items, and stress-relieving products, adding a touch of fun to people's lives.

Orbeez's Environmental Harm

While Orbeez provides entertainment and fun, its environmental impact should not be underestimated. Orbeez are primarily composed of high-molecular polymers, which are difficult to degrade in the natural environment. Once discarded, they remain in the soil, water bodies, and other environments for a long time, like persistent "environmental ghosts."

In soil, Orbeez can disrupt soil structure, affecting both air and water permeability. Studies have shown that the presence of a certain amount of Orbeez in soil reduces soil porosity, hindering the proper flow of water and nutrients, and thus affecting the growth and development of plant roots. This not only slows plant growth and stunts development, but can also lead to reduced crop yields, causing direct economic losses to agricultural production. Experimental data show that plants grown in soil containing Orbeez have a germination rate approximately 20%-30% lower than plants grown in normal soil, and their height is also significantly reduced.

Orbeez pose equally serious risks when they enter water bodies. They can clog drainage systems, causing urban flooding and other problems. Large quantities of bloated Orbeez are often found in some city sewers, where they accumulate and obstruct the flow of water. Furthermore, Orbeez can be ingested by aquatic organisms. Small fish, shrimp, and other aquatic animals may mistake these brightly colored Orbeez for food and ingest them. Once ingested, Orbeez cannot be digested, leading to intestinal blockage, malnutrition, and even death, disrupting the balance of the entire aquatic ecosystem. Studies have found that mortality rates for aquatic organisms in some polluted waters have increased significantly, partly due to ingestion of plastic waste such as Orbeez.

Introduction to Environmentally Friendly Alternatives

Biodegradable Gel Beads

Biodegradable gel beads are a promising alternative to Orbeez. They are primarily made from biodegradable polymers, which can be sourced from a wide range of sources, including natural plant extracts and microbial fermentation. Common biodegradable polymers include polylactic acid (PLA) and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). PLA is produced from starch or sugars from renewable plant resources (such as corn and cassava) through a series of processes, including fermentation and polymerization. It exhibits excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability. In natural environments, microorganisms gradually decompose it into carbon dioxide and water, with minimal negative impact on the environment.

The degradation mechanism is primarily through enzymatic degradation by microorganisms. When biodegradable gel beads enter microbial environments such as soil or water, they secrete various enzymes, such as proteases, lipases, and cellulases. These enzymes specifically recognize and degrade the polymer bonds in the gel beads, breaking them down into small molecules, such as amino acids, fatty acids, and glucose. These small molecules can then be further metabolized and utilized by microorganisms, ultimately converting them into carbon dioxide, water, and other harmless substances. The degradation time of biodegradable gel beads is affected by various factors, such as ambient temperature, humidity, and the type and abundance of microorganisms. Under suitable environmental conditions, most degradation is typically completed within a few months to a year. For example, in a soil environment with a temperature of 25°C to 30°C and a humidity of 60% to 70%, polylactic acid gel beads may degrade by over 80% within 6 to 8 months.

In terms of performance, biodegradable gel beads differ from Orbeez. Regarding launch stability, some high-quality biodegradable gel beads undergo special processing to ensure stable launch in gel launchers, with comparable smoothness and accuracy to Orbeez. However, due to the material properties of some biodegradable gel beads, occasional stuttering may occur during launch. This may be related to factors such as the hardness and surface smoothness of the gel beads. Regarding shooting effects, biodegradable gel beads also produce a shattering and dispersing effect upon impact, providing players with a similar gaming experience. However, due to differences in composition and structure, the shape and sound of the beads when they burst may vary slightly. Some biodegradable gel beads break more delicately and quietly, while Orbeez beads may produce a larger splash and a crisper sound when they burst.

Natural Material Ammunition

Ammunition made from natural materials is another environmentally friendly option, with ammunition based on legumes and corn starch attracting considerable attention.

Legumes, such as soybeans and mung beans, are rich in protein and polysaccharides. For example, protein extracted from soy beans can be processed to produce ammunition with a certain strength and elasticity. First, the soy protein is extracted and purified. Then, by adding natural cross-linking agents or undergoing special physical treatments, it is formed into particles with a specific shape and stability. These particles can be fired normally from a gel launcher and gradually decompose upon impact. Because soy protein is a natural organic substance, it can be decomposed and utilized by microorganisms in the natural environment without causing any environmental pollution. Furthermore, soy is a widely cultivated crop, abundant in supply, and relatively low in production cost, making it economically viable.

Cornstarch is also a high-quality raw material for natural ammunition. Extracted from the endosperm of corn kernels, cornstarch is a natural polysaccharide. By mixing cornstarch with natural plasticizers and adhesives and using specialized molding processes, such as extrusion and injection molding, it can be made into ammunition suitable for use in gel-fired launchers. Cornstarch ammunition is highly water-soluble and gradually absorbs moisture and dissolves in humid environments. Even if any residue remains, it is broken down by microorganisms into carbon dioxide and water, completely degrading. Furthermore, the production process for cornstarch ammunition is relatively simple, resulting in minimal environmental impact and aligning with the concept of sustainable development.

These natural ammunition materials offer significant environmental advantages. Their natural origin eliminates the need for complex chemical synthesis, reducing the potential environmental hazards of chemical substances. After use, they completely degrade in the natural environment, unlike Orbeez, which leaves long-lasting residues, effectively avoiding damage to soil, water, and other ecological environments. Furthermore, the use of natural ammunition materials rationally utilizes renewable resources and contributes to the development of a green economy.

Comparison of Alternative Advantages

Environmental Advantages

Biodegradable gel beads offer significant environmental advantages. For example, biodegradable gel beads made from polylactic acid (PLA) are gradually degraded by microorganisms in the natural environment, ultimately converting into carbon dioxide and water. These products are common substances in nature and pose no additional environmental burden. Compared to Orbeez, which is difficult to degrade and remains in the environment for a long time, biodegradable gel beads significantly reduce solid waste generation and mitigate the risk of contamination to soil, water bodies, and other ecosystems. According to relevant research, replacing Orbeez with biodegradable gel beads can reduce plastic residue in soil by approximately 80% within a year, effectively improving the soil's ecological environment.

Natural material ammunition also offers significant environmental advantages. Raw materials such as beans and corn starch are renewable natural resources that absorb carbon dioxide during their growth process, helping to mitigate the greenhouse effect. Furthermore, after use, these natural material ammunition are quickly decomposed by microorganisms in the natural environment, returning to the natural material cycle. For example, ammunition made from cornstarch decomposes in just a few weeks in moist soil, preventing the long-term pollution caused by Orbeez. Furthermore, the production process for these natural material ammunition is relatively simple and energy-efficient, reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions.

Performance Advantages

In terms of range, some high-quality biodegradable gel beads and natural material ammunition can achieve comparable range to Orbeez. Testing of different ammunition using the same gel launcher revealed that some high-performance biodegradable gel beads achieved a range of 20-25 meters at a launcher power of 10-15 watts, comparable to the range of Orbeez under the same conditions. This allows players to enjoy a similar shooting distance and gaming experience to Orbeez using these alternatives, without sacrificing the fun and competitive nature of the game due to the ammunition change.

In terms of accuracy, through optimized design of the ammunition shape and weight distribution, biodegradable gel beads and natural material ammunition also achieve high accuracy. For example, certain biodegradable gel beads, after undergoing a special processing process, have a more regular shape and smoother surface. This results in more uniform air resistance during launch, enabling more accurate target impact. In actual testing, these biodegradable gel beads achieved a 70%-80% hit rate against a 10cm diameter target at a distance of 15 meters, comparable to the hit rate of Orbeez.

Durability is a key consideration in ammunition performance. While biodegradable gel beads and natural material ammunition differ from Orbeez in material, they possess a certain degree of durability through appropriate formulation adjustments and improved processing. Some biodegradable gel beads utilize a special cross-linking technology to enhance the stability of their internal structure, making them less susceptible to breakage during storage and transportation. After three months of storage in simulated storage conditions, these biodegradable gel beads maintained an integrity rate of over 90%, meeting the needs of daily use and storage. Natural material ammunition, on the other hand, has a longer lifespan thanks to the addition of natural preservatives and stabilizers. Bean-based ammunition, after processing, has a shelf life of 6-8 months at room temperature, ensuring players can play with these ammunition for a longer period of time.

How to Choose a Suitable Alternative

Based on the Usage Scenario

The usage scenario is a key factor to consider when choosing an alternative. Indoors, where space is relatively limited, ammunition safety and cleanliness requirements are higher. Natural material ammunition, such as cornstarch-based ammunition, is an ideal choice. Due to the limited space indoors, ammunition may rebound when fired. However, cornstarch-based ammunition is relatively soft, making it less likely to cause damage to people and surrounding objects. Furthermore, cornstarch-based ammunition is highly water-soluble, making it easier to clean any residue after indoor use. Simply wipe with a damp cloth or rinse with water, unlike Orbeez, which is difficult to clean and avoids contamination.

For outdoor gaming, biodegradable gel beads offer a more advantageous option. The complex outdoor environment and diverse terrain place higher demands on ammunition performance, such as range and durability. Biodegradable gel beads are specially designed to withstand the impact of firing, rolling, and collisions on various terrains, making them resistant to breakage and ensuring durability for extended outdoor use. Furthermore, their excellent firing stability allows for accurate targeting over a wide range, meeting the needs of players playing in large outdoor areas. Furthermore, even if some gel beads remain after outdoor use, their biodegradability prevents long-term environmental pollution, thus meeting environmental protection requirements.

Consider Cost

Cost is a crucial factor players should not overlook when choosing alternatives. Different alternatives have widely varying price ranges. Generally speaking, natural material ammunition, such as bean-based ammunition, offers relatively low costs due to its widespread availability and relatively simple production process. These ammunition typically costs around 5-10 yuan per 1,000 pellets, making them an affordable option for players on a budget.

Biodegradable gel beads are relatively expensive, costing approximately 15-30 yuan per 1,000 pieces. This is primarily due to the high R&D and production costs associated with using specialized biodegradable polymers. The complex production process also requires strict control of production conditions to ensure the quality and performance of the beads. These factors contribute to their relatively high price.

Besides considering cost, players also need to balance environmental considerations with performance. While natural ammunition is less expensive, it may not be as good as biodegradable gel beads in certain performance areas, such as range and durability. While biodegradable gel beads are more expensive, they offer significant advantages in environmental performance and shooting performance, providing players with a better gaming experience while reducing environmental impact. Therefore, players need to find a balance between cost, environmental considerations, and performance based on their specific circumstances and needs, and choose the most suitable alternative.

Precautions for Using Environmentally Friendly Alternatives

Storage Methods

For biodegradable gel beads, the humidity and temperature of the storage environment significantly impact their quality and performance. The ideal storage environment is a dry, cool place, ideally kept between 15°C and 25°C, and with a relative humidity of 40% to 60%. Excessive humidity can cause the gel beads to absorb moisture, causing premature expansion and even degradation, impacting their performance during use. Excessive temperatures can accelerate degradation and shorten their shelf life. For example, storing biodegradable gel beads in a damp basement can quickly soften and deform, rendering them unusable. Therefore, it is recommended that they be stored in sealed containers in a dry, ventilated cabinet, away from direct sunlight.

Natural material ammunition also has special storage requirements. Legume-based ammunition, due to its moisture and organic matter content, is susceptible to microbial attack. Therefore, it should be stored in a dry, well-ventilated environment, generally below 30°C. A desiccant, such as silica gel, can be placed in the storage container to maintain a dry environment and prevent mold and deterioration. Corn starch-based ammunition, due to its hygroscopic nature, requires particular attention to moisture protection. It's best to store them in sealed plastic bags or boxes in a dry place, away from moisture.

Proper Cleaning

Proper cleaning after using environmentally friendly alternatives is crucial, not only for hygiene reasons but also to minimize potential environmental impact.

After using natural material ammunition indoors, any residue should be cleaned up promptly. For ammunition residue on the ground, sweep it with a broom to collect most of the residue, then wipe the ground with a damp cloth to ensure no fine particles remain. If ammunition gets on surfaces like furniture and walls, gently wipe with a damp cloth. For tough stains, use a small amount of detergent, but be sure to choose a mild, environmentally friendly detergent to avoid damaging the surface. After cleaning, ammunition residue should be properly disposed of. Since natural material ammunition is biodegradable, it can be placed in an organic waste bin to decompose naturally.

After using biodegradable gel beads or natural material ammunition outdoors, clean up immediately. Any ammunition scattered on the grass should be picked up whenever possible to prevent it from becoming part of the soil. If some ammunition has broken apart and the fragments are small and difficult to pick up, use a small vacuum cleaner or broom to clean them up. During the cleanup process, be mindful of protecting the surrounding natural environment and avoid damaging plants and trees. The ammunition and fragments can be collected and placed in a designated trash can for subsequent disposal. It's important to note that even biodegradable materials should not be discarded carelessly in the natural environment, as the degradation process requires time and conditions. Large accumulations can still cause short-term environmental impacts.

Summary

With growing environmental awareness, choosing eco-friendly alternatives to gel-based ammunition for launchers is crucial to protecting our environment. Alternatives such as biodegradable gel beads and natural material ammunition not only offer significant environmental advantages by reducing pollution to soil, water, and other ecological environments, but also offer excellent performance, meeting player requirements for range, accuracy, and durability.

When choosing an alternative, consider factors such as usage scenario and cost. Whether enjoying a cozy family playtime indoors or engaging in competitive battles with friends outdoors, there's a suitable eco-friendly ammunition option. Proper storage and cleaning methods are also crucial, as they extend the life of ammunition and reduce potential environmental impact.

As gel-shooter enthusiasts, let's take action and try these eco-friendly alternatives. While enjoying the game, let's also contribute to protecting the environment. We believe that through our individual efforts, we can collectively create a greener and more sustainable gaming environment, allowing gel-shooter sports to continue to thrive on an environmentally responsible path, and leaving a beautiful, clean planet for future generations.

Next article: Are Gel Blaster Water Beads Safe for the Environment?