单选题 It can be inferred from the passage that which of the following was the prime goal in scientists' searching for organic means of producing plastic?

• (A) the reduction of energy used in petrochemical plastic manufacture
• (B) the reduction of the production cost of petrochemical manufacture
• (C) the development of a biodegradable plastic
• (D) the creation of plastics with more useful qualities
• (E) the reduction of fossil fuel emissions in the environment