For many years, the use of traditional plastic items has been condemned by people concerned for the environment because of the many ways it can harm the ecology and nature as a whole. The manufacture or burning of plastics and other synthetic, non-biodegradable items release toxins to the environment, and their improper disposal kills wildlife in several ways including by suffocation or by ingestion. This is the reason why researchers came up with what are known as biodegradable plastics.

Biodegradable plastics basically come in two different forms— injection molded and film. Examples of injection molded plastics are the stiff, 3-D shaped plastic-ware used as disposable food services items, while plastic bags are good examples of the film type.

Most biodegradable plastic bags are made from organic materials designed to decompose within a few months. For example, bioplastic bags derived from cornstarch or pea starch will ultimately break down to elements like carbon dioxide, water and methane.

There is still much debate about whether biodegradable plastics are indeed more eco-friendly than traditional plastics. For one thing, when biodegradable plastic materials decompose, the process releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, adding up to the total carbon emissions released every year. On the contrary, traditional plastics that do not decompose essentially trap this carbon dioxide within themselves.

In addition, biodegradable plastics should also be decomposed via aerobic means (by composting) to prevent the release of methane, another greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere. If decomposed in anaerobic conditions like those in a poorly-equipped landfill, the release of methane becomes possible. Nevertheless, some modern landfills employ methane-collection systems to capture the gas for use as biogas, a clean source of energy.

Even with such issues still currently being discussed, it is still generally accepted that the use of bioplastics and biodegradable plastics are more sustainable than the use of non-biodegradable petroleum-derived petroplastics. A biodegradable plastic material uses less fossil fuels as a carbon source and introduces less greenhouse gas emissions to the environment when it biodegrades. The next concern researchers should deal with is how to lessen the industry’s reliance on fossil fuels when manufacturing biodegradable plastic materials. One way to do this is by making use of renewable forms of energy.

So the next time you need to buy something, shop from environmentally-responsible stores that make use of biodegradable plastic bags. In addition, look only at biodegradable organic plastics products when buying stuff for your home. Even better, buy as many of your household items in their organic and natural versions as possible. For example, you can try BabyGanics’ safe and natural household solutions that are guaranteed safe for your family and the environment.