Can biodegradable materials replace plastic?
Plastic has become an integral part of our lives, and it's hard to imagine living without it. However, this much convenience comes at a hefty price, plastic waste takes up to 1000 years to decompose and pose a significant threat to marine life. Biodegradable materials have come forth as a new alternative to plastic, but can they replace plastic? In this article, we will delve into the world of biodegradable materials, their pros and cons, and their potential in replacing plastic.
What are Biodegradable Materials?
Biodegradable materials refer to materials that can break down and decompose naturally in the environment. These materials undergo decomposition by microorganisms such as fungi and bacteria. Most biodegradable materials are sourced from nature and can be reusable, such as food waste, paper, and cotton.
Pros of Biodegradable Materials:
1. Eco-Friendly: Biodegradable materials have a minimal impact on the environment as they break down naturally and do not cause pollution.
2. Corn-based plastic: Corn-based plastics are a new type of biodegradable plastic that utilizes corn starch. They can fully break down in six months and are eco-friendly.
3. Low Carbon Emissions: Producing biodegradable materials like bioplastics, unlike traditional plastics, causes less carbon footprint.
Cons of Biodegradable Materials:
1. Cost: compared to traditional non-biodegradable materials, biodegradable materials are more expensive.
2. Shelf-life: Biodegradable materials have a shorter lifespan than non-biodegradable ones; thus, they may not be suitable for certain products' packaging.
3. Production concerns: Large-scale production of biodegradable materials requires a lot more resources, and the production process is more complex.
Can Biodegradable Materials Replace Plastic?
The answer is yes, and no. The development of biodegradable materials is still in its early stages, and their cost still remains high, making it difficult to replace traditional plastics entirely. However, the production of biodegradable products has become more accessible, and companies have started incorporating it into their products' packaging. For instance, Pepsi-co has started using biodegradable potato scraps in their product packaging. It's safe to say that biodegradable materials can be an alternative to traditional plastics, but it's not an outright replacement.
Are Biodegradable Materials Environmentally Friendly?
Biodegradable materials are relatively eco-friendly as they break down naturally and don't cause pollution. However, the production of biodegradable materials requires a lot more resources and may produce more carbon than non-biodegradable material production. Hence, it is not as environmentally friendly as it seems.
Conclusion
Biodegradable materials are a step in the right direction in addressing plastic pollution. However, they may not entirely replace traditional plastic. A combination of both materials would be the best solution. While companies are investing in biodegradable materials, it's essential to note that their production requires a lot more resources and is still more costly. In conclusion, biodegradable materials are a viable alternative, but their production methods need to be improved to be as eco-friendly as possible.
List of Biodegradable Materials:
- Food waste
- Paper
- Cotton
- Bioplastics (corn starch-based)
- Bamboo
- Mushrooms
- Algae
- Coconut husks.
In conclusion, biodegradable materials have the potential of reducing plastic waste. However, their production still needs improvement. Their cost, short shelf life, and the fact that their production methods may not be environmentally friendly might make it difficult for biodegradable materials to overtake plastic completely. Nonetheless, biodegradable materials are a step in the right direction in finding solutions for plastic pollution.