True and false about biodegradable trash bags and what they're made of
As a result of research, scientists have found that plastic bags decompose in 400 years. Biologists say biodegradable bags take half the time to break down. Manufacturers have started producing an alternative to conventional bags - oxo-degradable containers. According to them, it breaks down in a year and a half. So how do you know if biodegradable trash bags are real or fake? We will try to provide answers to consumer questions.
Concept of biodegradability
The problem of ecology and safety is very urgent today. About three hundred million tons of polythene bags are formed worldwide every year. This has a detrimental effect on the bowels of the Earth and the future generation. Therefore, the main task of environmentalists is to minimize the damage to the results of human life. They began to study the ability of materials to break down into safe substances under the influence of natural factors - biodegradability.
Due to the decomposition of the material from exposure to water, sunlight, air, CO2, water and mineral salts are formed. These components are less hazardous to the environment.Biodegradability is relevant in industrial production and household chemicals.
In the production, components are used that enter the environment, have a negative impact on nature and humans.
Biodegradable materials are highly degradable. There are two types: polymers and those of natural origin. The creation of biopolymers partly solves the problem of waste. This is due to the lack of economic benefits, conditions for mass production. There are two concepts of biodegradability: partial and complete.
Partiel
It includes biomaterials that partially lose their properties after structural changes due to the influence of external factors. That is, the components that make up the composition are completely unable to decompose. This is the step in the process leading to the hydrolysis of the hydrophilic part of the molecule. It is manifested by a decrease or a decrease in foaming. The low percentage of decomposition of molecules is due to the high content of bioactive substances, impurities of by-products.
Complete
Biodegradability consists of the complete destruction of polymer molecules in the state of water and carbon monoxide. This is the last step in the process of assimilation of organic matter by micro-organisms.
What are biodegradable trash bags made of?
Special substances are added to the packaging that help speed up the biodegradation process. There are two types of polymers with a high degree of biodegradation on the world market. Eco-products are made from them.
Oxo-degradable
The composition of materials includes a special substance - d2w, which promotes the rapid decomposition of plastic under the influence of oxygen and ultraviolet radiation. The polymer breaks down in two stages: oxidation - the material breaks down into particles, biodegradation - the degradation of the disintegrated fragments.
A feature of the material breakdown process is the breakdown of plastic into tiny particles, but it takes a long time before they are completely broken down.
Cornstarch and other natural materials
Polymers are made from potato, corn starch, wheat, soy, cane sugar. These packages usually have a special icon in the form of a shoot or a leaf. The products do not pose a danger to others and nature, as they are completely decomposed.
A characteristic of production is the irrationality of the use of resources: food products are grown for the manufacture of packaging. Decomposable bags require special conditions of use: they are stored away from the sun and humidity, unloaded.
Alternatives to biodegradable bags
Most countries have abandoned the usual packaging in favor of environmentally friendly products. Everyone who cares about the environment and their own health makes a choice in favor of one of the package options presented.
Paper
The paper decomposes quickly, it is absolutely harmless to nature and human health. Products made from it are distinguished by strength and durability. But making paper products requires a huge amount of resources: water and wood. Industries that produce paper packaging pollute air and water.Greater recognition has been gained for packaging made from recycled materials, which preserves the integrity of the forest and the purity of the water.
Eco-bags
The products are made from sustainable materials: cotton, bamboo, linen and other fabrics. They have the property of completely biodegrading. Eco bags are versatile products that are used for going to the store, walking to the beach or picnicking. They are decorated with various drawings and inscriptions. Manufacturers make containers in a variety of styles. Practical items can be machine washed.
Shopping bags
They represent a bag in the form of a net made of nylon and cotton. Performs the functions of a full-fledged bag, when folded it practically does not take up space. Eco-friendly containers can be purchased in different sizes and colors. It can be worn on the arm or on the shoulder.
homemade bags
Fashionable women who do not imagine themselves the mistress of a string bag can make a bag with their own hands. The author's articles have always been popular and remain in trend. The bag can be created from any material, fit any outfit. Creative people not only create design objects, but also contribute to preserving the surrounding nature.
So, which ecological bags to use?
Whether or not to use plastic bags is a personal decision. The production and purchase of plastic containers is not prohibited. But responsible consumers have long since abandoned plastic products in favor of paper bags and shopping bags. A biodegradable synthetic material has not yet been invented.Therefore, the best alternative today would be paper bags or fabric bags made from natural materials.