01-04-2022, 05:53 AM
When Biodegradable Garbage Bags first arrived on the scene, they were hailed as the scientific breakthrough that would cure all the problems that plastic can create. The idea of a plastic that would behave and break down just like a natural material seemed too good to be true. Was it? We took a look at the facts and found out.
Biodegradable Clothes Bags, which are also made from petrochemicals, are manufactured differently so that they can begin to break down quickly in the presence of air and sunshine. You might see this plastic labeled as photodegradable or oxy degradable.
Bioplastic is made from organic, renewable sources, such as vegetable oils, corn, and grains.
The limitations of biodegradable plastic
“Returning to nature” is a pretty poetic idea, but is that actually what happens when Biodegradable Pet Poop Bags arrive at the landfill? The problem with the FTC guidelines is that some extremely important factors are completely left out.
Next, and most importantly, there’s no discussion of the type of environment required for this breakdown to occur. The fact is that most plastic ends up in landfills. Canada’s Environment and Plastics Industry Council (EPIC) estimates that even though two thirds of the plastic in a landfill could be called biodegradable, once it reaches that dry and airtight environment, it pretty much halts the biodegradation process, and the plastic just sits there along with its non-biodegradable counterparts. By design, the conditions in a landfill are extremely hostile to the biodegrading process. Nothing is actually meant to decompose there: air, moisture, and sunlight, the three factors most necessary to decomposition, are purposely kept out of landfills in order to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions. This means that even if Biodegradable Roll Draw Tape Bag did break down in this environment, the consequences would be far from rosy. As it degrades, it releases two greenhouse gasses: methane and carbon dioxide, which both contribute hugely to global warming. Many traditional petrochemical-based biodegradable plastics also leave behind toxic metals and traces which can contribute to soil and water pollution.
Biodegradable Vegetable and Fruits Bags, which reuse plastic that’s already here. As science and technology continue to progress, the question of whether biodegradable plastic is a net win for the environment will hopefully become more clear. For now, staying educated and thoughtful about our choices is the first step.
When you are in the store, remember that there is a difference between biodegradable and oxo-biodegradable. Both affect the environment in different ways. Biodegradable products are actually environmentally safe and typically reduce the pollution. Where as oxo-biodegradable products may actually cause further pollution. There are a lot of products, which are biodegradable that can be bought at the store. These include Garbage Bags, straws, and even shoes & watches!
The difference between oxo-biodegradable and compostable is really subtle. While compostable Shopping Bags decompose completely, the oxo-biodegradable bags leave small particles behind as they decompose, and those particles can be problematic (often made from petroleum products). It’s not because we don’t see something that it is not polluting
Biodegradable Clothes Bags, which are also made from petrochemicals, are manufactured differently so that they can begin to break down quickly in the presence of air and sunshine. You might see this plastic labeled as photodegradable or oxy degradable.
Bioplastic is made from organic, renewable sources, such as vegetable oils, corn, and grains.
The limitations of biodegradable plastic
“Returning to nature” is a pretty poetic idea, but is that actually what happens when Biodegradable Pet Poop Bags arrive at the landfill? The problem with the FTC guidelines is that some extremely important factors are completely left out.
Next, and most importantly, there’s no discussion of the type of environment required for this breakdown to occur. The fact is that most plastic ends up in landfills. Canada’s Environment and Plastics Industry Council (EPIC) estimates that even though two thirds of the plastic in a landfill could be called biodegradable, once it reaches that dry and airtight environment, it pretty much halts the biodegradation process, and the plastic just sits there along with its non-biodegradable counterparts. By design, the conditions in a landfill are extremely hostile to the biodegrading process. Nothing is actually meant to decompose there: air, moisture, and sunlight, the three factors most necessary to decomposition, are purposely kept out of landfills in order to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions. This means that even if Biodegradable Roll Draw Tape Bag did break down in this environment, the consequences would be far from rosy. As it degrades, it releases two greenhouse gasses: methane and carbon dioxide, which both contribute hugely to global warming. Many traditional petrochemical-based biodegradable plastics also leave behind toxic metals and traces which can contribute to soil and water pollution.
Biodegradable Vegetable and Fruits Bags, which reuse plastic that’s already here. As science and technology continue to progress, the question of whether biodegradable plastic is a net win for the environment will hopefully become more clear. For now, staying educated and thoughtful about our choices is the first step.
When you are in the store, remember that there is a difference between biodegradable and oxo-biodegradable. Both affect the environment in different ways. Biodegradable products are actually environmentally safe and typically reduce the pollution. Where as oxo-biodegradable products may actually cause further pollution. There are a lot of products, which are biodegradable that can be bought at the store. These include Garbage Bags, straws, and even shoes & watches!
The difference between oxo-biodegradable and compostable is really subtle. While compostable Shopping Bags decompose completely, the oxo-biodegradable bags leave small particles behind as they decompose, and those particles can be problematic (often made from petroleum products). It’s not because we don’t see something that it is not polluting