Back in the old days when you went to the grocery store you did not get plastic bags very often most of the time the store would give you paper sacks. Therefore, when people would get plastic bags they would wash them out so they could reuse them. When the manufactures of the plastic bags lowered the cost bellow, the price of paper sacks the stores started giving them out as if they were free. As they did, the problem began. Today we have trillions of plastic bags lying in the dump that will not decompose for hundreds of years. Another problem with plastic bags is that they are made of polyethylene (oil by product).

Polyethylene has some advantages and disadvantages. The good thing about it is that you can recycle it. However, not everyone has jumped on the recycle wagon so it has not made that big of a difference in the number of bags going to the dump. The bad thing about polyethylene is that as it decomposes the gases that come off are harming the planet. For this reason, some government officials are trying to ban the bags from use.

Unfortunately, there are still times when a person needs to use polyethylene bags. Such as when your dog has an accident on the floor and you need to dispose of it. Or you have a septic tank and cannot flush your paper down the toilet. Another good use for these bags is if you are storing something for a while.

The alternative to polyethylene bags is a plastic bag that has degradable on the label. These are becoming more available in your local grocery store and discount retailers.

The difference between biodegradable and degradable
When degradable products encounter the elements of nature such as rain, air and the sun it causes a structural change. As microorganisms consume a material this is known as Biodegrading.

If you are looking for a plastic bag that is biodegradable, you should find an Ox-biodegradable bag. This bag is still made from oil by products but as it breaks down it does not harm the atmosphere as polyethylene does. When exposed to the sun the Ox-biodegradable bags will degrade and then bacteria will change the plastic to an organic matter (compressed carbons). These bags will do this in half the time that it takes a polyethylene bag. The best thing about this bag is the manufacturer does not have to change any of their machinery.

Another biodegradable bag is the Hydro-biodegradable bag. This bag is made from the starch of plants. Unfortunately, this bag is not as eco friendly as you might think. As the bag breaks down it will let off harmful gasses and it take more bacteria to break it down.
Both of these bags are great for a one time uses such as holding your trash until it get to the landfill. To reduce the number of bags you send to the landfill use reusable bags whenever possible. Moreover, for your onetime uses buy bags that is made from renewable materials.

Photo by: ANK -
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