However, while current leading bioplastics, such as PLA, primarily use feed grains as a plant resource, the possibility of future food shortages has emphasized the importance of using non-edible plant resources to produce bioplastics.

ENGADGET: NEC builds a better bioplastic from plant stems and cashew nut shells

We normally think of the leaves as the edible parts of this plant, but ruby chard's deep red stems cook up as a tender, delicious little vegetable all on their own.

NPR: Vegetables with Flair for the Thanksgiving Plate

They are much more efficient at converting plant matter into edible tablefare than livestock, so there is an environmental benefit as well.

BBC: Edible insects crawl onto menus

In Todmorden it has its own name -- the 'Incredible Edible' campaign -- and the local authorities are beginning to take notice, giving permission to plant 500 fruit trees around the local sports fields and promising to look for ways to expand the number of allotments available.

CNN: Transforming England's towns into green and pleasant land