Compost Your Waste with Bio Bags
Posted 01/13/10
Bio bags can halt the proliferation of polyethylene based plastic trash bags in our landfills. Those bags are made from plastics that resist decomposition and contaminate the soil. Bio bags, on the other hand, are made from renewable raw components like non genetically modified starch and agricultural materials that make them completely compostable. When assimilated by the microorganisms that are present in the environment, bio bags become part of the natural cycle instead of a disruption. Bio bags break down into organic waste and disappear as they are eaten by naturally occuring microorganisms and returned to the environment as carbon dioxide. And, as we learned in biology class, plants utilize carbon dioxide as part of the photosynthesis process. Bio bags become part of the cycle of life.Bio bags are manufactured mainly from cornstarch. They not only make less of an impact on the environment, they also support American farmers by providing a new market for their corn crops. No plastics of any kind go into the manufacture of bio bags. They breathe by allowing heat and moisture to escape, which reduces bacterial buildup and odor, and decompose without harmful residues in a controlled composting environment within 10 to 45 days. If disposed of in a natural setting, bio bags decompose at the same rate as paper, leaves or food waste and within eight to 14 months if disposed of in fresh or salt water. (However, it would be environmentally irresponsible to dump waste in any form of container, even bio bags, in our oceans, lakes, rivers and streams.) Bio bags are also shelf stable, meaning they will not begin to decompose until they are exposed to the earth and its microorganisms.
Bio bags are available in many different sizes that are suitable for household use. Small sized bio bags are perfect for use in kitchen composting bins; as a matter of fact, the entire contents, bag and all, can be disposed of in a home compost pile. The compostable bag and its contents stay together. Bio bags also come in sizes that accommodate standard kitchen trash containers and lawn and leaf waste. (Does it really makes any sense to kill trees to make paper bags to collect leaves?) For those who have pets, there are bio bags designed specifically for disposing of pet waste. Cat owners can dispose of the litter that remains behind after waste removal with the help of bio bag cat litter pan liners. Bio bag dog waste bags that are also compostable can be disposed of in a compost pile, bag, waste and all, where they will be consumed by microorganisms and returned to the environment.