Biodegradable plastic: Waste that eats itself

Biodegradable Plastic

The future of our planet depends on the decisions we make today. While many of us have become increasingly aware of the damaging effects of using conventional plastic, progress in development of eco-friendly alternatives is of the utmost importance. One such revolutionary material is known as biodegradable plastic. Biodegradable plastic is a type of plastic that is capable of decomposing naturally in the environment in a short amount of time. This means that it has the potential to reduce the amount of plastic waste ending up in landfills, oceans and other ecosystems.

What Is Biodegradable Plastic?

Biodegradable plastic, otherwise known as ‘plastic with degradation’, is a type of plastic that is designed to break down and be absorbed by organisms in the environment. Generally, this material is made from renewable resources such as glucose, cornstarch, and polylactic acid (PLA). It is also biodegradeable when exposed to air, water and sunlight.

Biodegradable plastic has the same properties as conventional plastic, with the added benefit that when exposed to the right environment, it will decompose naturally over time. This makes biodegradable plastic a much more environmentally friendly alternative to using traditional plastic.

The Benefits of Biodegradable Plastic

There are numerous benefits associated with using biodegradable plastic instead of traditional plastic. Some of these include:

1. Reduces Impacts on the Environment: Biodegradable plastic has a reduced impact on ecosystems as it will eventually break down and not harm the environment like standard plastic does.

2. Sustainable: Many of the materials used to create biodegradable plastic are renewable and are a much more sustainable choice than traditional plastics.

3. Durability: Biodegradable plastic can still be used for a variety of things and is as durable as regular plastic when it comes to water, heat and cold.

4. Cost: While it might not be the cheapest option available, biodegradable plastic is becoming increasingly accessible and is definitely worth the extra cost.

Identifying Biodegradable Plastic

When searching for biodegradable plastic products, there are some key indicators that can help you identify them.

1. Biodegradable Plastic Packaging: Look for biodegradable plastic packaging that includes phrases such as “biodegradable” or “degradable”.

2. Compostable symbol: Look for the European certified compostable logo, or the United States based “OK Composting” logo.

3. PLA Plastic: Look for PLA plastic packaging which is a type of biodegradable plastic made from plant materials such as corn, cassava or sugarcane.

Unfortunately, there is still a lot of confusion regarding what constitutes as ‘biodegradable plastic’. Therefore, it is best to look for certifications or reputable brands to ensure a product is truly biodegradable.

The Dangers of Biodegradable Plastic

While biodegradable plastic has many benefits when used correctly, it can actually cause more harm if misused. Here are some of the potential risks that come with using biodegradable plastic:

1. Uncontrolled Waste Disposal: While biodegradable plastic breaks down in the presence of oxygen, nitrogen, or light in the environment, it can take several years to break down completely and will not biodegrade if put in a landfill.

2. Toxic Byproducts: Certain types of biodegradable plastic produce toxic byproducts when they break down, polluting the environment with toxic and hazardous chemicals.

3. Production Cost: As mentioned before, biodegradable plastics tend to be more expensive than typical plastics making them inaccessible to many people and businesses.

Biodegradable plastics are a revolutionary alternative to traditional plastic and are made from renewable resources. This means that this material is a much more sustainable solution for packaging, food storage, and other consumer goods. While biodegradable plastic does have many benefits, it is important to keep in mind the potential risks associated with using this material. This can be done by looking for certification labels and only choosing reputable brands.

Overall, biodegradable plastic is a welcome change to reduce plastic waste in our world and help protect the planet’s future.