The microorganisms that break down biodegradable materials into natural materials without causing any harm to the environment tend to do so. Examples of biodegradable items include food scraps, wood, and cotton.
Is plastic biodegradable? It sounds odd that this term is often associated with plastic.
It is, surprise! Plastic bags are biodegradable. Biodegradable plastics use specialized enzymes or chemicals to break down the material when exposed to sunlight and air. When the plastic is burned, it is filled with chemicals that could pose a danger to the environment.
The U.S. Environmental Agency is concerned that only 8% (31 million tons) of plastic are recycled annually. The remainder goes to landfills or waterways, creating litter that is harmful to wildlife and posing a threat to it.
Biodegradable plastic bags are a great way to save the environment. Here’s how…
- Reduced Carbon Emissions
While traditional plastic emits four tons of greenhouse gases, biodegradable plastics emit only.8 tonnes. They ensure that there is minimal carbon emission during manufacturing.
- Waste Reduction
The remaining 13 percent is made up of traditional plastics. We have already mentioned that only 9 percent of the waste is recyclable, and the rest goes into water bodies or landfills. Biodegradable plastics are able to break down slowly, depending on how much sunlight it is exposed to, as well as soil and air. While not all biodegradable materials will be completely decomposed, any reduction in the amount of plastic used will increase space and reduce the impact on the landfills. Biodegradable plastics could reduce the need for additional landfills and save land for other uses.
- Recyclable:
They take much less time to break down than other plastics and can be recycled easily without releasing any toxic elements. Biodegradable 20 gallon Trash Bags also have another advantage! They can be molded in the same way as traditional plastics, and can be customized to your specifications.
- Source Reduction
Biodegradable plastics can also reduce the need for petroleum. The production of traditional plastics accounts for nearly 2.7 percent of the country’s petroleum consumption. The oil molecules are heated to make polymers.
Biodegradable plastics are made from corn, starch and plants. They require less energy to make and do not involve the burning of fossil fuels. Producing a similar plastic material from crude petroleum requires 60 percent less energy to make than the corn-based plastics.
It is possible to produce more biodegradable plastics with less energy, which reduces pollution.
- Non-Toxic:
It is not difficult to see that traditional plastics contain harmful by-products and chemicals, which pose a danger to the environment and human life. These harmful substances are likely to be released during their breakdown. Biodegradable plastic is different.
They are safe and don’t release any toxins during the process of their decay. They are easily absorbed by the soil. These benefits of How should trash and Recyclables be Stored, since the global toxic plastic pile is increasing rapidly and poses a health risk for wildlife and humans alike.
