As a gardening and landscape gardening expert , I have total across the topic of biodegradable bags quite often . It is a head that many people have – are biodegradable traveling bag really biodegradable ? Well , the answer is not as straightforward as one might believe .
Biodegradable garbage bag are indeed design to break down more quickly than traditional plastic bags . They are typically made from materials such as plant life starches , veg oil , or compostable polymer . These cloth are meant to break down into carbon paper dioxide , water , and biomass when exposed to sure conditions .
However , the challenge with biodegradable cloth lie in the specific conditions require for them to break down . Temperature levels , moisture , and oxygen accessibility all run a function in the abjection physical process . In some cases , these conditions may not be present in a landfill or compost adroitness , which can hinder the biodegradability of the bag .
One personal experience I had was when I used biodegradable bags in my own garden . I was emotional to use them , thinking I was make an eco - well-disposed option . However , after a few months , I noticed that the bags were not break down as quickly as I had anticipated . It turn out that the temperature levels in my compost pile were not gamy enough to ease the breakdown of the bags .
This highlights the importance of empathise the specific circumstance required for biodegradable materials to degrade in good order . It is crucial to compost them in facility that can provide the necessary temperature and wet levels . only throw them in a steady landfill may not ensue in the desired abasement .
To further explore the topic , allow ’s take a closer look at the different types of biodegradable traveling bag :
1 . Plant starch - base bagful : These bags are typically made from corn whisky or Solanum tuberosum starch . They break down relatively quickly , specially in moist and warm weather . However , they may not take down as expeditiously in cold or drier environments .
2 . Compostable polymer bag : These bags are made from polymers derived from renewable resources such as maize or sugar cane . They are plan to reveal down in industrial composting facility , where specific temperature and wet level are maintained . In home compost system , they may take longer to degrade or not break down at all .
3 . Vegetable oil - based bags : These bags are made from veggie oil color , such as soya bean or Indian corn oil . They can break away down under the right weather condition , but they may command in high spirits temperatures than other biodegradable material .
It is important to note that not all biodegradable bags are created adequate . Some may degrade more quickly and efficiently than others . Therefore , it is essential to look for certifications or measure , such as the ASTM D6400 or EN 13432 , which ensure that the bags meet specific criteria for biodegradability and compostability .
While biodegradable bags are indeed designed to break down more quick than traditional plastic bags , their biodegradability is dependent on specific conditions . Temperature levels , wet , and oxygen availability all dally a role in the breakdown process . Therefore , it is all-important to compost them in facilities that can provide the necessary conditions for degradation . plainly have them in a regular landfill may not result in the desired biodegradability .
Caroline Bates
