Small transparent spheres filled with natural or flavored water could help provide a solution to London's plastic waste problem, according to the startup company based in the British capital that manufactures them.

With many cities around the world struggling to dispose of vast numbers of used plastic water bottles, the biodegradable Ooho balls have begun quenching the thirst of consumers at special events in San Francisco and London.

The balls, which resemble large bubbles, have a jelly-like membrane made of plant and seaweed extracts. The company, Skipping Rocks Lab, says the membranes decompose after four to six weeks if not consumed.