Bioplastics do produce significantly fewer greenhouse gas emissions over their lifetime, but are they really that green?
Biodegradable = capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms
This may sound great, the idea that packaging and items can be broken down into components, but what does it actually break down into?
Well, just because something is biodegradable, this does not mean it breaks down into eco-friendly and nutrient-rich components. In fact, it often means it just breaks down into microplastics in the environment which as we know, is not good.
For some biodegradable objects, they can also break down leaving harmful chemicals into the earth.
Bioplastics are biodegradable plastics and are often made out of plants such as corn and sugarcane therefore produce less greenhouse gasses (carbon dioxide).
However, if they are not disposed of correctly, they may be worse to the environment.
Throwing away biodegradable packaging in landfill means it will get buried under other rubbish and therefore cannot get much oxygen. A key component for bacteria to break down this plastic is oxygen as it allows them to aerobically respire.
Without this oxygen, they respire anaerobically therefore creating methane which has 80 times the global warming power over the first 20 years it reaches the atmosphere!
"Methane has 80 times the global warming power over the first 20 years it reaches the atmosphere"
To dispose of this properly, they must be taken to commercial compost heaps, recycling plants or biogas plants. These facilities will take care of decomposing these properly. However they do require high temperatures which unless the heating is sustainably sourced, it contributes to global warming.
A popular like to biodegradable packaging is the fact they decompose quickly. With that in mind, you may think plastic bags can biodegrade within perhaps 6 months or a year.
Unfortunately this is not often the case. The University of Plymouth did a study where they found plastic bags were largely undamaged and still able to carry shopping 3 years after being buried in the soil or sea.
How to take action
Check what these biodegradable items break down into before buying.
Look for recognised standard certificates such as the EN13232
Compostable packaging may be a better alternative as breaks down sooner and into nutrient-rich products
Share this blog to spread awareness to others
Overall, biodegradable items are not exactly 'bad', but there are a lot of environmental issues with using them. Be careful of 'eco-friendly' companies who may try and 'greenwash' you into believing these are greener than they are.
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