You've probably noticed that biodegradable materials are getting much attention these days. We're all being encouraged to use less plastic and choose biodegradable options instead. But what does “biodegradable” mean? And why are biodegradable bags considered a good thing?
This article will explain everything about biodegradable bags and how they can help the environment. We'll cover the basics and the benefits, so you can understand why they're becoming so important.
What Does “Biodegradable” Mean?
Biodegradable means a material can be broken down naturally by organisms within an ecosystem. In simpler terms, it means the material will decompose into basic components like sugars and gases through natural processes.
Microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, facilitate this breakdown. However, it’s important to know that a biodegradable label doesn't guarantee breakdown in all environments. Specific conditions are required for biodegradation to occur.
Now, let's look at it more closely...
Biodegradation is the decomposition of organic matter by microorganisms, mainly bacteria. Organic matter is a carbon-based substance found in the natural world. This process yields water, carbon dioxide, and biomass, such as sugars.
This decomposition is a necessary part of Earth’s natural cycles. When microorganisms process organic material, carbon is released, becoming carbon dioxide. While this carbon release can raise concerns about increasing carbon dioxide levels, this process is essential for all life on our planet. It's a fundamental mechanism of natural recycling.
Benefits Of Biodegradable Bags
Over the past decade, we've been trying to use more biodegradable items. This is because we want to use less plastic around the world. Biodegradable materials are a good choice for the environment when we can use them. But, before you choose biodegradable bags, you need to think about everything.
Here are 5 top reasons why biodegradable bags are a good idea to help you decide:
#1 Lowering Carbon Pollution:
Most biodegradable bags are made from 100% plant-based materials. This is a big deal because making these bags creates much less carbon pollution compared to making plastic. When we make traditional plastic, it can release a lot of carbon into the air – up to four tons! But, plant-based biodegradable bags only release about 0.8 tons of carbon. That's a huge difference! It's about a 500% decrease in carbon pollution.
Choosing biodegradable bags is like choosing to drive a fuel-efficient car instead of a gas guzzler. It's a way to help reduce the amount of carbon pollution we put into the air, which is a key step in protecting our planet's atmosphere and addressing climate change.
#2 Decomposes Fast:
After much testing and improvement, we now have materials that are 100% compostable. These are often made from a mix of plant-based stuff like sugarcane and other special ingredients. Compostable and biodegradable bags and films are fully recyclable. They weigh the same as plastic bags, are just as strong, and don't leak. Plus, biodegradable bags can break down in both the ocean and on land.
So, not only are they made from better materials, but they also disappear more easily when we're done with them. This helps reduce the amount of waste that sits around for long periods, polluting our environment. This easier breakdown is a key advantage of using biodegradable bags.
#3 Using Less Oil:
Biodegradable bags help us use less oil, which is great for the planet. Regular plastic is made from oil and the process involves heating and treating oil molecules to turn them into plastic. This takes a lot of energy and uses precious resources.
In fact, making traditional plastic can use up about 2.7% of a country's oil supply! That's a surprisingly large amount
Biodegradable bags, however, are made from natural materials like sugarcane, corn, orange peels, starch, and other plants. This process needs much less energy and usually doesn’t require burning fossil fuels or oil.
This means we can make far more biodegradable bags while using less energy and resources. So, not only are we using fewer precious resources, we're also creating less pollution. By making more biodegradable bags instead of traditional plastics, we can use oil for other activities like heating homes and powering cars. This helps reduce our reliance on oil and promotes a more sustainable future. It’s exactly like using a more efficient recipe that uses fewer ingredients.
#4 Biodegradable Bags are Non-Toxic:
Biodegradable bags are made from natural materials, which makes them safer for everyone who uses them.
Traditional plastics, on the other hand, are made with harmful chemicals and by-products. These can be bad for the plants and animals. When plastics break down, they can release these harmful substances. What's worse, the type of plastic often used for water bottles (called PET) can attract harmful bacteria or even leak chemicals.
But biodegradable bags are different. When they break down, they don’t release harmful toxins. Instead, they are absorbed back into the soil, making them a safer choice for us and the planet.
#5 More Options for Reuse
Because biodegradable bags are made with plant-based oils, they are a much better material than plastic. These oils give the bags flexibility and durability making them easier to reshape and form into various designs.
These bags can be molded and shaped in ways similar to traditional plastic, which means they can be made to meet many different needs. They also can be recycled and used again multiple times, which is a big plus for the environment.
In contrast, some non-biodegradable plastics can’t be safely reused. That's because they can release harmful, dangerous chemicals, even after the first time they are used. Since biodegradable bags and packaging are made from natural sources, they don't have these harmful chemicals, so you don’t have to worry about that.
Final Thoughts
Wow, if you've made it to the end, congratulations! You're now a biodegradable bag expert! As we've seen, there are so many great reasons to choose biodegradable bags. They're truly better for our planet, and to help protect our environment we need to get the word out and encourage everyone to use them.
It's also smart to think about what we can do with the plastic bags we already have since repurposing them can make a big difference. The great thing about biodegradable bags is that they break down much faster than traditional plastic, they're super easy to recycle, and they don't release any nasty chemicals when they do.
If you're looking for a way to make a positive impact, we invite you to explore our collection of Eco-friendly Tote Bags! All Shaka Love bags are designed to be long-lasting and durable, yet they're also eventually biodegradable because they are made from 100% plant-based materials.