2023-09-27 18:06:12
The environmental threat is a palpable reality for everyone and that is why alternatives have emerged to reduce or stop the ravages of pollution, however not all alternatives are so good, for example a study revealed that biodegradable bags are more toxic than plastic ones.
Photo: iStock
Which bags pollute the most?
Plastic bags are probably the first thing that comes to mind when you hear this question, however, a study published by the Superior Council of Scientific Investigations.
Through the analysis of extracts from compostable or biodegradable bags, experts found that, when they decompose, they contaminate the soil, making it potentially toxic, in addition to many not fully degrading, thus increasing the amount of microplastics in the environment.
As the production of biodegradable bags is protected by a patent, the additives or ingredients from which they are made cannot be known, so it cannot be estimated with certainty what their impact on health would be or will be, however Using zebrafish cells, the researchers noticed that the quality of the cells decreases, that is, they are directly affected. Something that does not happen with conventional plastic bags.
Now, the study found that the same thing happens with recycled plastic bags, that is, that these bags also pollute more than conventional plastic and it is believed that this happens due to the additives with which they are made to “degrade.”
Photo: iStock
How much does a biodegradable bag pollute?
According to the Spanish study, the toxicity of degradable or compostable bags occurs precisely when the biodegradation process begins, which is where there is an accumulation of contaminants in the soil or land, potentially affecting the health of human beings.
Experts say that, although the evidence does show that biodegradable bags are more toxic than plastic onesit is necessary to know what exactly the additives are used in these materials to gauge the effect they could have on humanity.
That is why research is still needed once companies release the true materials with which biodegradable or compostable bags are made, as well as the additives that are added to plastic bags to be reused.
What type of bag pollutes the least?
And surely now you are wondering what is the best option? Well, the reality is that the best thing is to go back to the traditional and use cloth bags to do your shopping.
Cloth bags are an alternative that, although they are made with synthetic fibers, are a better option because you can use them more than once and, if you are careful enough, they can last for years.
Now that you know that biodegradable bags are more toxic than plastic onesremember to use to a lesser extent any waste that may affect the environment and, of course, health.
If you want to know more about alternatives to pollute less, we share this video with you.
#Biodegradable #bags #pollute #plastic #alternative