June 08, 2020

How recycling, biodegradable and compostable are not the same

25 minutes

Today I speak with Scott Morton, the Director at BioBag to discuss the nitty-gritty about garbage bags, doggy bags and compost bins! BioBags create sustainable, 100% compostable alternatives to plastic bags that break down without any toxic residue. BioBag products are a friendly alternative to the standard mainstream polyethylene plastic shopping bags, bin liners, food storage and even dog waste bags! Learn more about what is required for a product to be compostable and the common greenwashing tactics used to sell eco-friendly options to consumers.

Key Takeaways:

For compostable and recyclable materials to erode in landfill, it requires microorganisms and oxygen to break down and eat the materials. Biobag is designed to break down quickly within six months in a home compost system.

Using a breathable compost caddy for your "wet waste" will save you from throwing food scraps and other compostable materials into your regular rubbish bin, resulting in a dry bin and limiting your plastic bag usage.

Be mindful of greenwashing when choosing bin liners from supermarkets. Often alternative liners are made from sugar cane, which sounds great, but they can still take thousands of years to breakdown because they contain polyethylene.

To avoid greenwashing, check the packaging for certifications such as Australasian Bioplastics Association and the Home Compostable symbol. Avoid jargon such as Biodegradable as there is no real definition in Australia or guarantee for how long it takes for a product to break down.

Links and resources:

Biobag on Nourished Life

https://www.nourishedlife.com.au/

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