In today’s world, it is really important to pay attention to the environment, no matter at what level we are. Right from the gas we use in the fridge, to the bags we use, everything has an impact on the environment and so, it is the least we can do for our planet. Ever since polymers were invented, we had known that these are something that aren’t easily biodegraded. Plastic wrappers, bags and toys, Tiffin boxes, and plastic jars are some of the very few items in this category which upon damage/breaking can only be thrown away and that stay the same way even after fifty years of disposal. So what can we do differently that can help the environment get rid of these certain items that simply refuse to degrade? Here’s how. We can now opt for biodegradable plastics. A biodegradable plastic is the product that degrades biologically and will leave no trace of itself after a given period of time. They degrade to methane, carbon dioxide, water and biomass; and each of these items can degrade themselves in the environment. It doesn’t matter what you are using, a biodegradable plastic or a biodegradable plastic additive, they both equally biodegrade when in contact with air. Biodegradable plastic additives are similar to the biodegradable plastics, just a little different at the molecular level. The carbon construction is all that matters when it comes to polymers. One twist can make it a permanent threat to the environment, while another can make it completely harmless. And, while choosing from the two, it is our choices that matter the most. Even though these items (biodegradable plastics and biodegradable plastic additive) are a bit more costly than the conventional plastics, these are worth buying. It’s a good thing to help the environment breathe under its many difficult phases that it faces due to the increase in complex technical products and even more complex systems. In recent times, the plastics are collected by the companies and recycled, so that they don’t become a threat to the environment in the times to come, but this process isn’t in full force in every other country around the world. Some countries prefer dumping the waste in the oceans and some just burn these down. Either way, it’s no good for the environment. Besides, burning the plastic products down releases huge amounts of carbon monoxide in the environment that can be absorbed by neither plants nor microorganisms. So why won’t we switch to biodegradable plastics if this helps the environment? That’s the least we can do for a cleaner and greener planet. The biodegradable plastics take about a few weeks to completely mingle with the environment, and so, they neither need recycling nor need to be worried about after throwing them away. About The Author Ricky Kingston is an expert on the concept of sustainable living and advocates the adoption of eco-friendly habits by the mainstream population of the world. He likes to talk about many different measures to help reduce human impact on the environment, such as the use of biodegradable plastics,, in the many articles he writes.
Related Articles -
biodegradable, plastic,
|