What are Bio-degradable Garbage Bags?
Biodegradable trash bags are specialized bags designed to contain and contain waste materials while offering the benefit of being able to break down and decompose naturally over time. These bags are usually made from biodegradable materials, such as plant-based polymers or oxo-degradable plastics, that are capable of microbial decomposition in the presence of certain environmental conditions.
Importance
In the world today, plastic waste has become an increasing risk to life of humans and animals.
Environmental Impacts
Plastic takes hundreds of years to decompose and even when they do, they break into smaller particles which then tend to contaminate soil, water bodies and ecosystems.
Marine Pollution
When plastic waste is thrown into the ocean, they damage the marine life and its ecosystems. Digestion of these wastes end up killing marine animal, turtles being their main target.
Health Risks
Plastics contain additives and chemicals, such as bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, which can leach into the environment and potentially harm human health. These chemicals are associated with various health issues, including hormone disruption and developmental problems. By minimizing plastic waste, we can reduce the potential risks to human well-being.
All these reasons force us to transition to something which provides the services of plastic bags but doesn’t harm the environment. In this case, Bio-degradable bags come in handy.
Characteristics of Bio-degradable garbage bags
Following are some of the characteristics of these bags:
Biodegradability
Biodegradability refers to the ability of a material to be broken down and decomposed by natural biological processes, such as the action of microorganisms like bacteria and fungi. When a material is biodegradable, it can be broken down into simpler compounds, such as water, carbon dioxide, and biomass, through the activity of living organisms. This process typically occurs over a specific timeframe, depending on the material and environmental conditions. These bags contain such ability so that they don’t end up polluting the environment or affecting or health.
Materials Used
Biodegradable bags can be made from a variety of materials that are designed to break down more easily compared to traditional plastics.
Plant-based Polymers
They are derived from plants like corn or potato starch. They have the ability to break into natural particles after breakdown that don’t affect the nature.
Oxo-degradable plastics
Oxo-degradable plastics like polythene are such plastics which are modified to accelerate the breakdown process. The tend to breakdown in presence of oxygen and heat.
Bio-degradable blends
Multiple kinds of plastics that breakdown faster are blended t make these bags just for the sake of a faster breakdown process.
Are Bio-degradable bags affordable and easy to find?
Certainly, the availability of these bags depend on the location you live in. However, in the recent years, its importance is being noticed and the government and municipality are taking action towards encouraging the availability of these bags in your nearby stores or even online.
Unfortunately, these bags are slightly more expensive than the traditional plastic bags, but as time goes they are going to improve in all sectors like cost, availability and material.
Many online stores like Amazon have taken the initiative to bring its presence in the society hoping to bring improvement to human and wildlife health and future.
Following are some sellers on Amazon who sell Bio-degradable bags:
2. Medium 2 Rolls, 20 per roll
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