What about using Biodegradable bags?

[hb06]

Realistically, IMHO, most people probably don't feel like bringing their own bags all the time. There is the alternative of using biodegradable,compostable bags. Wish they were easily obtained in retail outlets such as in San Francisco, or just replace the current bags being offered.

BIOBAG Facts

"BioBag is proud to be the best selling brand of certified 100% biodegradable and 100% compostable bags made from the material, Mater-Bi. We are also proud to be the first “bag from corn” to achieve national distribution of retail products through natural food stores across the country."

"Recently, the city of San Francisco selected BioBag to promote their residential food waste collection program. San Francisco residents can now purchase additional supplies at over 100 outlets in the bay area. BioBag is proud to be a partner in this important effort."

Facts About Our Biodegradable, Compostable Bags by BIOBagUSA

Photo-Biogag Shopping Bag
Certified 100% Biodegradable bags, No Polyethylene, front end bags, promotional bags. Make your green statement with BioBag

[Rae Vynn]

I've started to use the Biobags as small trashcan liners (under sink, mostly veggie scraps), now that we've exhausted our supply of used 'grocery bags'...

I think, as far as the compostable grocery bag, it's a nice idea, as an emergency measure, but the real goal, in my opinion, is getting to zero waste. Less packaging (I reuse as much as I can), and using things until they wear out.

[F8L]

Bio bags require energy to produce. A reusable bag requires less energy and resources in the long term so for the majority of uses a regular reusable bag is the better choice. For emergency purposes or grocery store supplies (the bag supplied by the store) the bio bag would work well.

It comes down to energy input.

[SSimon]

Since your bags are made from corn, I'm not sure if they require the same conditions (i.e. light, oxygen) to degrade as do other biodegradable bags that may not really break down as intended when in a landfill. I'm assuming they do. I don't waste my money on biodegradable bags due to this very reason.

Also, any plastic bag, even biobags, can also present a hazard to wildlife.

I use Seventh Generation recycled bags but just got to thinking that I'm going to just throw my trash into the can without a liner and rinse it when needed. I'll see how this works and hope to have cut my use of these plastic bags all together.

[ShellyT]

We are doing some work PLA(poly-lactic acid, which is likely what bio-bags are using) here. It costs around a 100 times more than polyethylene. Reusable are definitely cheaper and less polluting in the long run.
It's great if you compost them, but they probably won't do much good if are just tossing them like regular bags.
I remember once, as a kid, seeing photodegradable bags. Wonder what happened to them.

[Darwood]

I thought paper bags WERE bio-degradable and can be made from recycled paper. I prefer paper, since I find the bags very useful for many purposes. I use them to hold recyclables, hold garbage, carry tools, as a gardening carrier and mulch, as kindling bags, etc. We bring our own bags sometimes, but I do have a need for some number of paper bags for my own use. I guess I don't like the idea of growing a crop to produce plastic when we can use recycled paper to produce bags, re-use the bags as appropriate and having the bags themselves then get recycled instead of becoming dirt in a landfill.

Bio-bags do make sense for garbage applications that require a water proof lining.

[hb06]

All of these posts are laudable but again, addressing the fact that being realistic, most millions will just not be bringing at least 10 or more of their own reusable bags to the grocery store every time they shop, would still be better for the environment if, at the very least, the bags at all stores were biodegradable. If all stores used them, the price would go down. Paper bags still use trees and are useless if they get wet. With a Biobag, there are different levels of degrading speed depending on if they are indoors, landfill, or water which are on the original link above. Biopolymers such as the Biobags seem to be a realistic start.

[tripp]

People might start using them (reusable bags) because they often save you money. My wife takes 15 of them to the store when she shops and we save $0.75 per trip as a result. It's also not really inconvenient. There's probably a perception that they are, but even grocery stores in our area are selling reusable bags now ($1 per). As people see others using them and discover that it's actually less hassle then disposable bags their adoption may likely increase. That and good ol' catholic guilt for using the bloody things.

[drees]

Sure biodegradable bags are better then non-biodegradable bags.

Because so many plastic bags end up on the side of our roadways, in streams and oceans, it makes sense to ban non-biodegradable bags.

If people are too lazy to bring their own reusable bags, the cost of biodegradable bags will quickly lead retailers to even more discounting when you bring your own bags.

For those that are too lazy to bring their own reusable bags, it's really just a matter of habit. Once you get into the habit of bringing your bags in with you, it's really no big deal at all. If you're too lazy to do it, it's simple - you get to pay for your laziness.

[tripp]

I'd argue that it's actually less work. You have to stuff those bloody bags in the rubbish bin and then empty it more often. They're a waste of space, ffs. Fortunately, I think stores are starting to push more sensible options (namely, they sell reusable bags more and more) and are actually starting to take the things back for recycling. Positive steps...