When we use biodegradable garbage bags to dispose of our trash, we believe we are being environmentally friendly. However, utilizing these bags for trash that goes to the landfill may not be as beneficial as we imagined.
Understanding that “biodegradable” refers to the product’s ability to degrade into microscopic plastic fragments over time is critical. This process may take several years in landfills if there is insufficient oxygen or the proper conditions for decay. Even if the bag breaks down, microscopic bits of plastic are more hazardous to the environment than entire plastic bags. This differs from “compostable” bags, which are intended to hold food waste for composting. Certified biodegradable bags allow consumers to easily gather food waste and will degrade much like the food inside them in an industrial compost plant.
The article will discuss why biodegradable bags aren’t the best choice for the environment when we use them to dispose of our ordinary garbage.
Understanding Biodegradable Garbage Bags
Bio-friendly garbage bags are made from organic materials such as cornstarch and other bio-friendly additives that break down more quickly than conventional plastics. It’s an attractive idea: a garbage bag that dissolves back into the ground with minimal environmental impact. But does it happen as quickly as it claims?
The Environmental Reality
Despite their green marketing, biodegradable bags come with several environmental setbacks:
- Inadequate Breakdown in Landfills: Most landfills are anaerobic (lacking in oxygen) and do not provide the necessary conditions for these bags to degrade properly. As a result, they may persist almost as long as regular plastic bags.
- Microplastic Pollution: Biodegradable bags often degrade into smaller plastic fragments rather than harmlessly disappearing. These microplastics can contaminate ecosystems, entering waterways and even our food chain, posing serious environmental and health risks.
The Eco-Friendly Alternative: Compostable Bags
In contrast to biodegradable bags, certified compostable bags are designed to break down entirely in composting facilities, turning into nutrient-rich soil without leaving harmful residues. These are preferable for disposing of organic waste, aligning more closely with true environmental sustainability.
Green Tech’s Vision for Sustainability
At Green Tech, we believe in going beyond temporary fixes. The journey towards genuine sustainability involves:
- Reducing Consumption: Opting for reusable products and reducing waste at the source is the most effective method to minimize environmental impact.
- Proper Waste Sorting: Educating ourselves and others about sorting recyclables and compostables correctly enhances the effectiveness of waste management systems.
- Consume Less, Reuse More: The most successful technique is to stop waste generation at the source. Embracing reusable items and packaging can significantly reduce garbage creation.
- Proper Waste Sorting: Accurate sorting of recyclables and compostables is critical to waste management system efficiency, ensuring materials are processed in the most ecologically friendly way possible.
Download or print our universal organic waste collection sheet to remind yourself what goes in the green bin.
Conclusion
While biodegradable garbage bags appear to be a convenient and environmentally beneficial option, their claimed environmental benefits are highly questionable. To achieve a more sustainable future, we must delve beyond surface-level solutions and thoroughly review our consumption patterns and waste management techniques. We can help the earth become healthier by making informed decisions and advocating for truly sustainable practices. The path to environmental stewardship involves taking a holistic approach to living that puts our planet’s well-being over the convenience of disposable solutions.
