What about using Biodegradable bags?

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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...

 

There are a few trash bags listed at wisengreener.com with reviews. I'd check them out to see some other options and what people actually think about them, or add your own review and rating. Hope this helps! WiseNGreener - Reviews - Earth friendly products reviewed

 

I think that biodegradable plastic bags are a good idea, but would rather see them used for pet waste and trash than routinely handed out at the grocery store. I thought about this issue a while back but wondered about the fact that after I put it in the trash can (with a regular plastic bag in it) then it goes to the landfill. Is the environment at the landfill conducive to the bags degrading? I liked the idea but wasn't sure the bag would get the opportunity to do its thing.

I use reusable shopping bags at the grocery store. I keep them in the back of the car so they're always there. They actually hold more than plastic and can take the weight much better. Plus I got them for under a buck at Wegmans and they're a classy black color.