What is the difference in the raw-material price of compostable (plant
& mineral-based) plastics and their petroleum-based counterparts, and
how has this price difference changed over time, say today vs. one
year ago and five years ago?

Examples: Clear, rigid items are made from the corn-based PLA
(polylactic acid) and the petroleum-based PETE (Polyethylene
terephthalate). Films, such as plastic bags, are made from the
corn-based Mater-bi and the petroleum-based LDPE (Low Density
Polyethylene).

Note that these compostable items must typically conform with the ASTM
D6400-99 standard, which assures that they leave no known residues in
the ground, water or air. Sometimes, "biodegradable" or "degradable"
plastic simply break down into tiny pieces of plastic.

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Clarification of Question by recyclaholics-ga on 18 Apr 2006 11:02 PDT

Increased list price to $100.00. (Was $75.00.) We're hoping to have
this questioned answered on or before Thursday, April 20. It may be
cancelled at that time.