Biodegradable plastic bags are eco-friendly because they are made of natural materials and will break down over time. Plastic bags are made of fossil fuels, which are a limited resource. Biodegradable plastic bags are made of renewable resources, such as corn or potatoes. Plastic bags take hundreds of years to break down, while eco-friendly biodegradable plastic bags will break down in a few months to a year. When biodegradable plastic bags break down, they turn into water, carbon dioxide, and methane. Methane is a greenhouse gas that is twenty times more potent than carbon dioxide. When plastic bags break down, they release toxins into the environment. Biodegradable plastic bags do not release toxins into the environment when they break down.
Plastic bags are one of the most convenient items we use in our daily lives. They are strong, lightweight, and inexpensive. But they also have a major downside – they’re not biodegradable. This means that they can take centuries to break down, and in the meantime, they’re polluting our environment.
By definition, eco-friendly biodegradable plastic is plastic that decomposes by the action of living things, especially bacteria. Unlike regular plastic, which can take hundreds or even thousands of years to decompose, biodegradable plastic breaks down much more quickly. Here are some advantages of using biodegradable plastic bags.
Most people are familiar with the many disadvantages of using regular plastic bags. They’re made from non-renewable fossil fuels, they clog up landfills, and they can take centuries to decompose. Biodegradable plastic bags offer a more sustainable option that comes with a number of advantages.
Advantages of Biodegradable Plastic Bags
1. They’re made from renewable resources.
Biodegradable plastic bags are usually made from plant-based materials like cornstarch or potato starch. These materials are renewable, unlike the fossil fuels that regular plastic is made from. That means they have a smaller carbon footprint and are better for the environment.
2. They break down much more quickly.
As the name suggests, biodegradable plastic bags are designed to break down much more quickly than regular plastic bags. Some types can start breaking down within a few months, while it can take regular plastic years or even centuries to decompose completely. That means there’s less chance of them clogging up landfills or harming animals who mistake them for food.
3. They’re often compostable.
In addition to breaking down quickly, some types of biodegradable plastic bags are also compostable. That means they can be added to your home compost pile and used as a natural fertilizer for your plants. Regular plastic bags cannot be composted at home and will just end up in a landfill anyway.
4. They’re becoming more available.
As awareness of the problems with regular plastic grows, more companies are starting to offer eco-friendly biodegradable options. You can now find eco-friendly biodegradable trash bags, storage bags, and even grocery bags at many stores. In some cases, they may cost slightly more than regular plastic bags but they’re worth it for the environmental benefits.
5. Some can be reused like regular bags.
One common misconception about eco-friendly biodegradable plastic is that it can only be used once and then needs to be thrown away. However, some types of biodegradable bags are actually quite durable and can be reused just like regular plastic bags. Just remember to check the labels before purchasing to make sure the bag you choose is suited to your needs.
Despite their many advantages, eco-friendly biodegradable plastic bags are not a perfect solution. They still require energy and resources to produce, and they’re not always as strong or durable as regular plastic bags. However, they’re a much better alternative than regular plastic and can help to reduce the amount of pollution in our environment.
Eco-friendly biodegradable plastic bags. These bags are made from plant-based materials like cornstarch or vegetable oil, so they will break down much faster than regular plastic bags. They’re made from renewable resources, they break down much more quickly, and some even compost right in your home compost pile! As awareness of the problems with regular plastic grows, we can expect to see even more companies offering these sustainable alternatives.
So next time you need a plastic bag, make an eco-friendly choice and choose biodegradable!