In this day and age, we need to do everything we can to help sustain the resources on our beautiful planet Earth. One easy way to do this is the use of biodegradable garbage bags. These bags use materials that microorganisms break down in the ground. So, the material the bag is made from simply returns to the Earth.
Planet in Peril
There are many biodegradable items in the world such as food waste, human and animal waste, wood, and other similar things. Even plastic can be biodegradable, but, they have to be made from specialized plastic that can be broken down by the air and sunlight. Meanwhile, normal plastic is filled with toxic chemicals that when it burns, ruins the atmosphere, which in turn, makes it harder for plants to grow, make it harder for food to grow, and make it harder for us to breathe.
Sadly, less than 10% of the over 30 million tons of plastic waste is recycled annually. The rest end up in landfills which it can be a threat to waterways and wildlife.
What Can You Do?
As an entrepreneur, you should always be looking for solutions to your problems. Climate change and our impact on the environment is one of the most important things in our life as every living thing needs to…well…live. Thus, becoming a social entrepreneur is the way to go. You get to make your dream a reality by starting your own business, and you get to help the world at the same time. Money is a second thought when you are trying to save the world.
With all of this in mind, buying biodegradable garbage bags is not the worst thing you can do. Let’s take a look at some reasons why using these garbage bags are so beneficial.
Decrease in Carbon Emissions
Here’s a crazy fact for you. Normal plastic generates up to four tons of carbon emissions. Meanwhile, biodegradable plastics only generate a mere .8 tons of carbon. Those who create biodegradable plastics then release only a very small amount compared to large factories. This way, the atmosphere can re-heal itself from excessive carbon emissions.
Decrease in Waste
Traditionally, plastic makes up around 13% of waste. If you recall earlier, less than 10% gets actually recycled. So, you are looking at a lot of plastic waste everywhere. While biodegradable cannot break down every single compound, it can break down most of its components thanks to the natural elements. This allows the minimization of plastic waste in the environment. Creating and using more of these bags can then eliminate the need for more landfills, thus, opening up the space to other avenues.
Reduction Source
Plastic usually comes from petroleum materials. The molecules are heated and tended so that they can be made into polymers. About three percent of America’s petroleum is used for plastic usage. However, those who make biodegradable plastic use orange peels, starch, corn, and other platen material. This requires less energy from the machines, allowing the creation of more bags. In turn, less energy means less pollution.
No Toxins
There is absolute proof that plastic is bad for us and the environment. Biodegradable plastic gets to break down its material and returns back into the Earth without harming it. This creates less pollution and improves the health of wildlife and of humans.
It’s Recyclable
Biodegradable garbage bags are recyclable, meaning that they have repeated usage. This creates more space for you and landfills and not cluttering the world with plastic garbage everywhere. Because they function like normal plastic, biodegradable is moldable, allowing various usages to be made from it.
Conclusion
The biodegradable garbage bag is the future. While yes, it seems like a small thing to do, but that little bit goes a long way. Nature needs our help and fast. Already there are many stories on news channels, the Internet, and across social media of the dangers of plastic and especially microplastics.
From the highest mountain tops of the Himalayans, down to the bottom of the Mariana Trench, researchers find plastic. They also find it in the fish we catch and eat. Of course, the real punch to the gut is this research paper which has described the discovery of microplastics in both placenta and even newborns. The idea of having toxic chemicals being born in us can lead to an unprecedented health crisis in the future. We need to do all that we can to reduce plastic waste on land, in the air, and in the water. It is for the benefit of our civilization, the planet, and for our future.
