Plastic wastage is a significant contributor to environmental pollution. It has touched almost every facet of our lives, from how we drink to carry our things. However, today we are better educated about plastics’ negative environmental impacts. Being aware of this negativity drove us to find greener solutions, especially regarding an alternative to plastic bags.
You may have heard about biodegradable bags over the past few years and how we should seek them over traditional plastic bags when possible. But what exactly is this biodegradable bag? Why are they advertised as a magic bullet to end the plastic peril crisis?
In this blog, let’s break down the concept of biodegradable bags and explore how they can contribute to a greener world.
But first, let’s discover some statistics about plastic bags.
Statistics About Plastic Bags
“Did you know we use over 5 trillion plastic bags a year?”
“This amounts to 160,000 a second.”
“And 700 a year for every person on earth.”
“On average, a plastic bag is used for 12 minutes.”
Unfortunately, less than 1% of these plastic bags are recycled. Researchers also anticipate by 2050, the world’s oceans could contain more plastic than all the fish measured by weight. An estimated 300 million plastic bags accumulate in the Atlantic Ocean alone.
Bangladesh is also not resistant to this plastic hazard. Due to the ever-increasing demand for plastic in the packaging industry, Bangladesh has become one of the chief plastic-polluting countries.
Here’s what the plastic pollution stat in Bangladesh looks like:
“Fourteen million pieces of plastic bags are used daily in Dhaka city. They often end up in seas and rivers, threatening the entire marine life.”
“Three thousand tonnes of plastic waste are produced regularly. Half of them come from using plastic bags.”
Further research from the Environment and Social Development Organization (ESDO) reveals that most plastic bags accumulate in landfills or water bodies. There is no functional initiative to recycle or collect them. Despite the awareness programs conducted by several volunteering organizations, 61% of people still employ plastic bags instead of switching to biodegradable bags.
Bangladesh banned the usage of plastic and polythene bags in 2002. The government imposed a ban to reduce the adverse effects on the environment. However, no strict laws were levied against the law, and plastic bags are still used on a massive scale even after 20 years. Even if exposed to the proper decomposing conditions, they dismantle into tiny pieces called microplastics. Since animals directly consume from the land contaminated with these tiny particles, the elements make their way up to the food chain, usually to us. The food we need to survive is being infected with microplastics.
Moreover, plastic bags produce a lot of methane during degradation. As we all know, methane is a prevalent pollutant that significantly harms our ozone layer.
Plastic bags also make their way down to the marine environment. Sea turtles and other marine animals misperceive them as jellyfish and consume them vigorously. The material kills the animal by clogging the digestive system or getting transferred to the creature that ingests it.
The answer is affirmative if you’re still wondering whether biodegradable bags can save the planet.
What Are Biodegradable Bags?
According to Cambridge Dictionary, the strict definition of biodegradable materials are elements that can decay naturally in a way that is not destructive. If something is biodegradable, it will eventually break down into smaller pieces by microorganisms such as fungi or bacteria. However, the process will still take time, depending on how and where the materials get discharged.
Biodegradable bags may look similar to plastic bags made from petroleum, but they are manufactured from enzymes or chemicals that break down once exposed to the sun and air. Unlike plastic bags, they can be decomposed under controlled conditions, making biodegradable bags an eco-friendly option. Usually, they require around 3-6 months to decompose entirely. However, the temperature for decomposition needs to reach over 50°C for the method to work.
Advantages of Biodegradable Bags
There are multiple reasons to choose a biodegradable bag. We’ve compiled some of them:
Reduction of Carbon Emission
Did you know the manufacturing process of biodegradable bags produces far fewer carbon emissions than traditional plastics? While conventional plastic bags release 3-4 tonnes of fuel, biodegradable bags emit 0.8 tons of carbon– a straight 500% reduction.
Waste Reduction
Traditional plastics make up about 13 percent of daily waste, and only 9% move for recycling, while the rest enters landfills and water bodies. The good thing about biodegradable bags is that they break down over time, depending on light, air, and soil. Although they won’t disintegrate entirely, any reduction will create space and decrease the pressure on waste fills. Energy Saving Nearly 2.7 percent of the petroleum produced in the U.S. is consumed for plastics production. Unlike traditional plastic bags, biodegradable bags require less manufacturing energy and resources. The process also involves the consumption of lesser fossil fuels. Switching to biodegradable bags can help us escape the detrimental effects of plastics. Repurposing and Recycling The U.S. Environmental Agency is alarmed that only 8% of the 31 million tons of plastic are recycled yearly. The rest accumulate in landfills and waterways, ultimately threatening the entire wildlife. On the contrary, the oils that come from biodegradable bags are superior materials compared to traditional plastic. These oils make the surface of biodegradable bags more malleable and less brittle. So it’s easier to convert them to any shape or texture. Further, they are moldable like traditional plastics. They’ll work as excellent raw materials if you’re looking for ways to repurpose them. In addition, you can also recycle these bags easily without the emission of toxic gasses. Non-toxic We can’t deny traditional plastic bags are made using harmful by-products and chemicals that threaten the environment. During their decomposition, they are likely to release these toxins. However, this is different for biodegradable bags. They are comparatively safer, don’t release toxins during the breakdown, and are easily absorbed by the soil under proper lighting. Such benefits are welcoming for the planet since no toxic chemicals heap on the earth, thus ensuring a greener planet. Brand Friendly Another positive effect of biodegradable bags is their positive effect on your brand. Major global corporations are using biodegradable bags due to their sustainable reputation. Choosing and promoting greener options will positively impact your brand, along with aiding the environment.Are Biodegradable Bags Suitable for the Environment?
If you’ve read the article till now, you’ve already realized they are superb alternatives to traditional plastic bags. However, recent studies from the University of Plymouth suggest they could be better as compostable bags. The only time these biodegradable bags disintegrate is under oxygen and UVs; the only problem is that they rarely get exposed to these conditions. Still, biodegradable bags are a great place to start cutting down the consumption of plastic bags.
Rosemarie Downey, the global head of packaging research at Euromonitor International, raised awareness against plastic usage. She also suggested that mindful plastic consumption is a worldwide duty for everyone. The European Union also voted to outlaw plastic products like bags, straws, knives, and forks, insinuating biodegradable bags are the most acceptable solutions to combat the ongoing plastic peril. They also set a goal to recycle all plastic packaging, the primary source of plastic waste, by 2030.
Conclusion
Adding biodegradable bags to your daily lifestyle and removing the single-use of plastic is a great way to live a greener and more sustainable life. But make sure to dispose of them where they can receive the proper amount of light and airflow for easy disintegration. This genre’s awareness and education can make a difference in achieving a greener planet.
