Are you looking for a way to reduce your environmental impact? If so, compostable zipper bags might be the perfect solution for you! These bags are made of materials that can be composted, which means they will break down and return to nature. Here are 10 reasons why you should switch to compostable zipper bags today!
Table of Contents
What are compostable zipper bags, and why should you use them?
Compostable zipper bags are the perfect solution for your business. Not only do they provide excellent protection to your items, but they can biodegrade within a short period after you dispose of them.
By nature, manure is something that all life forms need in small doses, including bacteria and fungi. Since both of these organisms break down organisms and their waste matter, they can also break down plastics. However, these processes take a long time to complete at room temperature. Compostable bags are made from flax or potato starch and vegetable oil, which degrade within about 90 days when placed in a hot compost pile where the center temperature reaches 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you are looking for a way to dispose of your compostable bags, look no further than BioBag’s line of products. Whether you are interested in our produce liners or trash can liners, all packaging is 100 percent biodegradable. As an added benefit, most of our products are made right here in the United States.
Are they better for the environment than other types of garbage bags?
A study in the United Kingdom found that over 5 million plastic garbage bags were discarded in the U.K. in 2010 alone (Nicholls). The environmental impact of producing plastics is widely known for its detrimental effects on marine wildlife and the ocean’s ecosystem (Nicholls). Polyethylene is one of the most common forms of plastics.
An article from a science journal found that polyethylene is a no polar molecule that allows the material to resist being broken down through some traditional waste management methods such as incineration and composting. In other words, plastics have been known for very slow decomposition rates due to their chemical properties (Bohacek). It has been found that it can take as long as 1,000 years for plastic waste to degrade (Bohacek).
On the other hand, some plastics such as recycled and biodegradable bags have been introduced into the marketplace to help reduce the environmental damage caused by non-biodegradable plastics. Opponents of this approach argue that introducing new forms of plastic into the ecosystem could result in a chain reaction that would ultimately damage certain ecosystems. Although these claims have been debated for some time, one thing is clear: less harmful alternatives to traditional plastics should be sought out at all costs.
In regards to environmental costs, plastics are often seen as a more expensive alternative than other types of garbage bags, considering the cost of producing plastics from raw materials is greater than, for instance, processing collected scraps from paper and other plant-based sources. In addition to this expenditure, there are also costs associated with collecting and transporting these resources. On a smaller scale, production costs can include transportation or workers’ compensation insurance.
How to dispose of a compostable zipper bag?
When you buy a bag of compost or sell it from your store, what is the best way to dispose of the used bags?
Almost all biodegradable zipper bags can be put straight into home-composting. They may not break down because they have gotten wet and gotten waterlogged, or a big part of the bag is stuck in a tree and not breaking down because it is too dry.
If you want to dispose of your bags in a compost pile at work, I would recommend putting them near the top, just under the mulch layer, and keeping them away from the center where they will be moist or wet. Also, keep them out of the sun. Also, have them covered with something to keep them away from animals or people that might destroy the pile.
If you do not have access to a compost site, consider bringing your bags back to where you bought them for recycling. Most places will take care of this for you, which is great!
10 Reasons to Switch to Compostable Zipper Bags
When you’re thinking about switching to compostable food storage bags, there are plenty of reasons to make the switch. Several brands offer freezer and storage bags that are made from biodegradable materials like corn plastic, plant-based plastics (polylactic acid (PLA), polylactic acid (PHA)), and resins derived from renewable sources like sugar cane (bagasse).
Why make the switch? The main reason is to do your part in helping the environment. For example, corn plastic bags are made from materials that can be certified as biodegradable and composted so that gardeners can throw them away with other yard waste at their local recycling center. At the same time, they are strong enough to hold up against leaks and tears.
Beyond switching to biodegradable zipper bags, there are other ways you can help the environment. By taking small actions at home, like recycling your junk mail or turning off the water when you brush your teeth, you’re making a difference in sustaining the planet for the next generation.
Here are ten reasons to consider making the switch to green bags today:
1. They’re Biodegradable and Compostable
Compostable bags (like the PLA and PHA brands we offer) are made from materials derived from renewable sources like corn, sugar cane, or other plants—which means they decompose naturally when thrown away in a compost pile. This is good news for gardeners who want to throw their bags away with yard waste at a recycling center.
2. They’re Strong and Resistant to Leaks and Tears
Some compostable bags are strong enough to hold up against leaks and tears, but it’s important to look for products specifically designed for freezer use, like our Freezer Green Bags which are made from the same proprietary resins used in many disposable diapers.
3. They’re Microwaveable and Dishwasher Safe
The majority of our compostable bags are also microwaveable and dishwasher safe, so there’s no need to limit yourself when it comes to how you can use them. They do not contain any plasticizers so that they won’t pop or melt in the microwave.
4. They’re Free of Bisphenol A (BPA) and other Chemicals
Most compostable bags are free of bisphenol-A (BPA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and phthalates. For consumers who want to avoid any plastics, this is good news.
5. They’re Greener for the Earth
Biodegradable and compostable bags are made from materials that would otherwise be wasted or pollute the environment, so using them helps reduce landfill waste and saves energy in production. Plus, they don’t contain chlorine bleach like regular plastic bags.
6. They’re Retail-Ready
Many compostable bags will qualify for retail programs that reward customers with cents back per bag, making them an even more attractive buy for consumers. They are also often tagged as “biodegradable” or “compostable” at the store, so you’ll know exactly what you’re getting when you make the switch.
7. They’re not made from Oil or Gas
Generally, compostable bags are made from plant-based materials like corn, sugar cane, and tapioca. Since they’re not made with oil or gas (and no petroleum-based chemicals, like PVC), it’s a good choice for consumers who want to limit their environmental footprint.
8. They’re Sustainable and Renewable
Since bioplastics are made from renewable sources, they’re sustainable—and since the plastic can be composted at home or in a municipal setting, it’s renewable. That means that you’ll never have to worry about running out of plastic bags with this option.
The most common compostable plastics are made from polylactic acid (PLA, which is also called “corn plastic”) and resins derived from renewable sources like sugar cane (bagasse).
9. They’re Economical
If you’re still using conventional plastic bags, you know they can be expensive. Buying compostable bags in bulk is a more economical option, even when you factor in the cost of purchasing a special green recycling bin or trash can to collect them in.
10. They’re Safe for Food Storage
Compostable plastics are usually considered food safe and heat-resistant (which means they won’t melt on your countertop or in your microwave). Some containers are even made with food-grade resins, so you know they’re safe to use around the kitchen.
FAQ’s
Q: Are compostable bags compostable?
A: The answer to this question varies by product. Some compostable bags are compostable, but others aren’t—it depends on the materials they’re made from and how they were manufactured.
Q: Do compostable plastic bags decompose in landfills?
A: It depends on the compostable plastic bags you buy. Some compostable plastic bags are designed to break down in landfills, but others aren’t (that’s why it’s important to check the product labels).
Q: What is compostable plastic made from?
A: The most common compostable plastics are made from polylactic acid (PLA), derived from corn. Other compostable plastics are made from resins derived from renewable sources, like sugar cane (bagasse).
Q: Can compostable plastic bags be recycled?
A: It depends on the compostable plastic bags you buy. Some compostable plastic bags can be recycled, but others can’t—it depends on the materials they’re made from and how they were manufactured.
Q: Where can compostable plastic bags be composted?
A: Municipal composting facilities are the best place to compost your compostable plastic bags, but many of them can also be composted at home. Some compostable plastic bags come with instructions for composting them both at home and in a commercial setting.
Conclusion
Hopefully, we’ve given you some good reasons to make the switch if you’re still on the fence about compostable zipper bags. They help reduce plastic waste, they’re durable and strong, and they can be used for various purposes. So go ahead and ditch those pesky disposable plastic bags once and for all—compostable zipper bags are here to stay!
