Paper or Plastic... or Biodegradable?

Although a renewable resource, trees are being harvested globally at an unsustainable rate. It's time to re-think our values when we convert a regal tree into a bag for one-time use.

Sure, paper bags do not last the 1,000 years that plastic bags do, but there's a still a lot that goes into making them.

What about biodegradable or compostable bags?

Biodegradable bags aren't necessarily environmentally friendly: research suggests that the environmental impacts of biodegradable bags are similar to those of traditional plastic bags, including concerns around contaminating recycling streams, littering, adding to landfill (most don't break down in landfill conditions) an the fact that many "biodegradable" bags still have plastics in their makeup.

It is important to remember that not all biodegradable bags are created equal – there are natural, synthetic and blended biodegradable bags, some of which still contain oil. Furthermore, some contain inks with heavy metals that leach into the ground, along with other residue that our planet can't process naturally.

Be aware of HOW the bag you've bought biodegrades (some need light, some need water, some need microorganisms, and some need industrial composters).

When disposed of properly, they will biodegrade in a matter of months (that's good) rather than years/centuries (that's bad!). But the materials that go into them are products of energy and chemically intensive industrial agriculture. This kind of agriculture often results in habitat loss and negative impacts on waterways.

If buying biodegradable bags, look for natural biodegradable bags (without hydrocarbon inputs) that tell you HOW the bag needs to be composted. Be aware of whether your municipality has industrial composting facilities as it will take a long time to break down in a typical household composting unit.

Make sure you do not put it in the recycling! This will contaminate the recycling waste stream. Similarly, throwing it in the garbage is of no benefit as it won't break down under landfill either.

The bottom line: Biodegradable bags are not the solution.

Ultimately, they still embody a "throw away" society – and that's the mindset that needs to be switched. However, with time, improved technology and better standards there may be a place for them.