A study reveals that the larvae of the Kenyan lesser mealworm can consume and degrade polystyrene, offering a potential solution to plastic pollution. The larvae can break down polystyrene in their guts with the help of intestinal bacteria. The efficiency of plastic degradation increased when the larvae were fed a nutritious diet. The discovery represents a sustainable alternative for plastic waste management, particularly in Africa where plastic pollution is high. Further research is needed to explore the potential for large-scale implementation and the use of bacteria isolated from the larvae for customized microbial solutions.