Single-Use plastics are made from non-renewable and limited fossil-based resources, in a manufacturing process that entails releasing overwhelming levels of greenhouse gases (GHG) into the atmosphere. After disposal, if not incinerated or recycled (both of which produce emissions), plastics end up accumulating in landfills and oceans for hundreds or thousands of years, intoxicating land and marine life. Scientists have been studying the life cycle of plastics, and various strategies to reduce plastic emissions. In order for real change to happen, we must all take responsibility and make a conscious effort to support eco-friendly practices.
Plastic products are made from plastic resin, the majority of which is created from petroleum in a process requiring extraction and distillation. According to a research study at the University of California Santa Barbara, massive amounts of GHGs are discharged in every step of plastic production, followed by more after disposal. Emissions from plastics in 2015 were approximately equal to 1.8 billion metric tons of CO2.
As mentioned by the study published in Nature Climate Change, GHG emissions are expected to grow, as the global demand increases. At the current rate, the emissions will increase to 17% of the global budget (a budget estimating the maximum GHG emissions that can be produced without raising global temperature more than 1.5 degrees Celsius) by 2050.
One of the effective ways to reduce GHG emissions is by replacing plastics with compostable bioplastics. These innovative and environmentally friendly products are made from plants which capture atmospheric CO2 during photosynthesis. Generally, it could take as little as 90 days for these compostables to turn into compost, depending on factors such as temperature and moisture. After complete breakdown, compostable products release nutrients into the soil
If you are a retailer, grocer, or in any other sector that deals with disposable packaging, you can help improve GHG emission levels by replacing things like plastic bags with compostable bags. You don’t really need an incentive to help the environment, however, your customers would appreciate your eco-friendly practices. They can further be encouraged to use these bags to collect their food scraps and garden waste, making it easier for waste management facilities to keep compost plastic free.
