The debate over biodegradable bags vs. plastic bags has been raging for years. Both sides have valid arguments, but there is no clear consensus on which type of bag is better for the environment.

Biodegradable bags are made from renewable materials like corn starch or vegetable oil, and they can break down into harmless compost within a few months. Plastic bags are made from non-renewable petroleum products, and they can take hundreds of years to degrade in the environment.

So, which type of bag is better for the environment? The answer may surprise you.

While biodegradable bags are certainly more eco-friendly than plastic bags, they actually have a much lower reuse rate than plastic bags. This means that, while biodegradable bags will eventually break down and biodegrade, most of them will end up in landfills before they have a chance to do so.

On the other hand, plastic bags have a much higher reuse rate than biodegradable bags. This means that, while they take longer to degrade, plastic bags are more likely to be reused and recycled before they end up in landfills.

With the recent push for sustainability and conscious living, many companies have switched to using biodegradable bags instead of traditional plastic bags. However, are these bags really better for the environment? Let’s take a closer look.

The Argument for Biodegradable Bags

There are a few reasons why many people believe that biodegradable bags are better for the environment than plastic bags. First, biodegradable bags are made from renewable resources, like cornstarch or vegetable oils. This means that they can be replenished more easily than plastic, which is made from non-renewable petroleum products. 

Another argument in favor of biodegradable bags is that they decompose more quickly than plastic bags. When plastic bags end up in landfills, they can take hundreds of years to break down. Biodegradable bags, on the other hand, will usually start to break down within a few months. 

The Argument Against Biodegradable Bags

While biodegradable bags may seem like they’re better for the environment, there are a few compelling arguments against them as well. First, many biodegradable bags are not actually made from completely natural materials. For example, some biodegradable bags contain polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is a synthetic polymer that isn’t naturally occurring. 

In addition, biodegradable bag manufacturing often requires more energy than traditional plastic bag manufacturing. And even if a biodegradable bag does break down eventually, it will release methane gas into the atmosphere – and methane is a greenhouse gas that’s much more potent than carbon dioxide. 

So, which type of bag is better for the environment? The answer may surprise you. While biodegradable bags are certainly more eco-friendly than plastic bags, they have a much lower reuse rate than plastic bags. This means that, while biodegradable bags will eventually break down and biodegrade, most of them will end up in landfills before they have a chance to do so.

On the other hand, plastic bags have a much higher reuse rate than biodegradable bags. This means that, while they take longer to degrade, plastic bags are more likely to be reused and recycled before they end up in landfills.

With the recent push for sustainability and conscious living, many companies have switched to using biodegradable bags instead of traditional plastic bags. However, are these bags better for the environment? Let’s take a closer look.

So, are biodegradable bags better for the environment? The answer isn’t clear-cut. Yes, these bags may be made from renewable resources and they may decompose more quickly than plastic – but they’re often not completely natural and their manufacturing process can be quite an energy intensive. If you’re looking to reduce your impact on the environment, reusable bags – either made from cloth or recycled materials – are usually your best bet.