Biodegradable plastics

I thought I'd touch back on this topic again this week, as I have learnt some more on biodegradable plastics.

Basically it accelerates the breakdown to years rather than hundreds of years but it still exists as microfragments.,  its just not the same visual contaminant as other plastics.  However it is still a major problem.  

This article provides a nice description of the difference between biodegradable plastics (made from petrochemicals and bioplastics.   

So biodegradable plastics are not the answer and we need to be looking for alternatives to these products where a cyclic process can be created.  In the mean time, say no to plastic bags, take your reusable shopping bags and where possible choose alternatives that are truly biodegradable to safe byproducts that can be used again or where there is a collection system for them to go back into use again.  

For those that are really interested in the topic of packaging, there is a series of free seminars this month on smart packaging which you may be interested in registering for.  Click here for more details.  They are being held around the country. 

Have a great weekend
Francesca

PS As you would already know from reading the links above, the plastic bag in my compost bin, remains as it was.