Plastic persistence in our environment has resulted in a vastly deleterious effect on both terrestrial and marine ecosystems. PETase is an enzyme that was found in a bacteria known as Ideonella sakaiensis. PETase can effectively metabolize polyethylene terephthalate (PET, one of the most common plastic polymers) to generate organic molecules. This research project creates mutations within PETase to make enzymes more catalytically active, providing the first steps towards bioengineering more productive plastic-degrading bacteria and contributing to innovative waste management here at UC Davis.