Compostable and biodegradable bags aren’t the solution

So what happens to a biodegradable and compostable bag after being exposed to the natural environment for three years? Researchers wanted to find out. The compostable bag had completely disappeared after three months in a marine environment but after 27 months in soil, the compostable bag was still present but couldn’t hold any weight without tearing. After three years, the biodegradable bags that had been both buried underground and left in water were still intact. Most people assume that a biodegradable bag would breakdown after three years, but they were still able to hold weight. The study found a lack of clear evidence that biodegradable and compostable materials offered an environmental advantage over conventional plastics. These materials won’t solve our plastics problem. Choosing reusable items is a better option.

Biodegradable plastic bags survive three years in soil and water