Are you looking for a sustainable option when it comes to bags?
Our earth is getting warmer because of global warming and the greenhouse effect. This results in significant changes in the climatic condition and health hazards. Therefore, it’s high time we shift to more sustainable options to save our environment.
The biggest threat to the environment is plastic bags because they are non-biodegradable and lead to water pollution at an alarming rate. In addition, they harm humans, animals, plants and the overall ecosystem. Every year, tons of plastic bags are dumped into landfills and oceans, causing threats to living beings.
Biodegradable plastic bags are the best sustainable option these days as they can be made of natural products and be broken down into smaller components by microorganisms. Thus, they are considered eco-friendly.
Read this article to learn about biodegradable plastic bags and answer your question, are biodegradable bags compostable.
What Are Biodegradable Bags?
Biodegradable bags are made from natural starch extracted from plants and other sustainable and renewable materials, and they do not produce any toxic chemicals. They are different from plastics made of crude oil. But, still stuck at, are biodegradable bags compostable?
Biodegradable bags are bags that are made from materials that can break down, decompose and return to the environment through natural processes. Compostable bags, on the other hand, are bags that are specifically designed to break down in a composting environment, which is a controlled process that utilizes microorganisms to break down organic matter into a nutrient-rich soil amendment.
Whilst biodegradable bags may break down in the environment, they may not necessarily break down in a composting facility. Compostable bags, however, are designed to break down in the specific conditions found in a commercial composting facility, such as high temperatures, high moisture and the presence of microorganisms.
It’s important to note that not all bags labelled as biodegradable will break down in a reasonable time frame and in all environments. Because of this, it’s recommended to look for bags that are certified compostable by reputable organisations.
Benefits of Using Biodegradable Bags
Due to environmental changes, adopting a sustainable method of living is urgent, and using biodegradable plastic bags is one of the best options.
Here are the advantages of using biodegradable bags:
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Reduction in carbon emissions
Whilst manufactured, plastic bags produce harmful gasses, such as carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide, which contribute to air pollution. On the other hand, when biodegradable plastic bags are manufactured, minimal carbon dioxide is produced, resulting in reduced carbon emissions.
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Waste reduction
Hospitals, industries and homes generate tonnes of waste every day, which is a leading cause of pollution. The conventional plastics we use take a lot of time to degrade and contribute to more and more waste. However, bioplastics break down quickly, thus reducing the amount of waste produced. Less waste will reduce the burden from landfills and help manage waste effectively.
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Reduced pollution
Biodegradable plastics break down naturally by microorganisms and even decompose naturally. This natural process does not require any chemical reaction to take place and causes less pollution. They can also be recycled easily without releasing toxic chemicals.
On the other hand, traditional plastic bags cannot be repurposed, and they release toxins during decomposition. They are often thrown away after the first usage, contributing to waste. The waste generated from plastic bags is also thrown into the ocean, leading to water pollution.
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Non-toxic
Biodegradable plastic bags use materials that are safe and leach no toxins. On the other hand, traditional plastic bags are made of harmful by-products and chemicals, which cause a threat to both living organisms and the environment.
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Less petroleum usage
Traditional plastics are manufactured using oil molecules that are heated and treated to convert them into polymers. These plastic bags are made of petroleum. On the other hand, biodegradable plastics do not use petroleum and are made of sustainable materials, such as corn, starch, sugarcane and plants. Moreover, the process of making these bags also requires less energy and thus does not require the burning of fossil fuels.
Hence, more biodegradable plastic bags can be manufactured using less energy, reducing the usage of natural resources and causing less pollution.
Bonnie Bio: Sustainable Compostable Packaging in Australia
If you want to bring significant environmental change, you need to take steps now. Using biodegradable and compostable plastics is one of these small steps that matter.
If you are looking for biodegradable and compostable plastics, contact us at Bonnie Bio. We offer a range of compostable products for multiple purposes.
