With the recent push for environmental sustainability, many people are looking for ways to reduce their impact on the planet. One way to do this is to use biodegradable shopping bags instead of traditional plastic bags. These bags are made from materials that can be broken down by bacteria and other organisms, making them much friendlier to the environment.

What Are Biodegradable Shopping Bags?

Biodegradable shopping bags are made from materials that can be broken down by bacteria and other organisms. This means that they will eventually decompose, unlike traditional plastic bags which can take hundreds of years to break down.

There are a few different types of materials that can be used to make biodegradable shopping bags:

Biodegradable shopping bags are made from materials that can be broken down by bacteria or other living organisms. Many different types of materials can be used to make biodegradable shopping bags, including cornstarch, potato starch, cellulose, and wheat straw. Some biodegradable shopping bags are even made from recycled paper products. In general, biodegradable shopping bags are stronger and more durable than traditional plastic bags. They are also more expensive to produce. However, many consumers are willing to pay more for a biodegradable bag because they know it will eventually degrade and will not contribute to the growing problem of plastic pollution.

PLA: 

PLA is a type of plastic made from renewable resources like cornstarch or tapioca root. It is one of the most common materials used to make biodegradable shopping bags.

PBAT: 

PBAT is a copolymer that can be made from renewable resources like corn starch or soybean oil. It is often used in conjunction with other materials to make biodegradable shopping bags.

Starch Blends:

Starch blends are made from a mix of different plant-based starches and are often used as an alternative to traditional plastic bag materials. 

They are better for the environment

Because they decompose, biodegradable shopping bags have a much lower impact on the environment than traditional plastic bags.

They are stronger: Biodegradable shopping bags are often made from stronger materials than traditional plastic bags, so they can hold more weight without tearing.  

They don’t cost as much: Production costs for biodegradable shopping bags have decreased in recent years, making them more affordable for consumers.    

You can compost them

Many types of biodegradable shopping bags can be added to your compost pile, further reducing their impact on the environment.  

They come in different sizes and styles:

Biodegradable shopping bags now come in a variety of sizes and styles to meet your needs.

Are There Any Downsides to Using Biodegradable Shopping Bags?

While there are many benefits to using biodegradable shopping bags, there are also a few downsides, 

Not all types are recyclable

While most types of biodegradable shopping bags will decompose over time, not all of them can be recycled.    

Some take longer to decompose than others

Depending on the type of material used, some biodegradable shopping bags will take longer to decompose than others.       

They may not be available everywhere yet

While biodegradable shopping bags are becoming more common, they may not be available at all stores yet.      

They may cost more than traditional plastic bags

Some types of biodegradable shopping bags can be more expensive than traditional plastic bags. However, as production costs decrease, this is becoming less of an issue.

Overall, biodegradable shopping bags offer a number of benefits over traditional plastic bag alternatives. They are better for the environment, stronger, and more affordable. However, not all types are recyclable and some may take longer to decompose than others. If you’re looking for a more sustainable option for your grocery needs, consider switching to biodegradable shopping bags in Australia today!