Environmental

Degradable plastics are also on the scene. Some are made from grain products, like PLA (poly lactic acid). PLA is a promising material but it’s in high demand, doesn’t work too well for plastic bags and is very expensive.

Oxo-biodegradable additives work by reacting with air, light and moisture to break down the plastic.  They do work but if the degradation process has begun, these bags can cause problems for recyclers.

Compostable bags (usually hydrodegradables) are expensive but the big downside to these bags is that they decompose only in a commercial composting facility, which most cities don’t have. Within the dry confines of a landfill, compostable bags will act just like any other plastic.

Reusable bags (canvas or non-wovens) make good sense and are becoming available for a nominal cost.  Unfortunately, most people don’t find them convenient.  They buy them and forget to use them or they find them unhygienic. One reusable bag can hold the contents of several plastic ones, but that’s too heavy for many people to carry. Remember, we fell in love with the throwaway culture for a reason.