WHICH IS THE BEST SOLUTION ?
PHOTODEGRADABLE - BIODEGRADABLE -
OR RECYCLING
All plastics share the same chemical structure which makes most of them impervious to disintegration. In recent years there has been a lot of research done on the photodegradables, and biodegradables plastics and a popular misconception about them is that they are the answer to our plastic waste. Scientist however, believe that the degradable's are not the final answer to the problem.
While it is true that photodegradable's do break down in sunlight it is also true that they only break down into smaller pieces. In addition they do not degrade indoors or in a landfill, if covered up, however, they are do have some "value in Reducing Litter". Biodegradable's while having a use in medical procedures -sutures in the body for example- are mostly "still in the experimental and development stages".
What concerns most scientist is just how "effective all the techniques are, but also about how much reside remains after degradation takes place". The General Accounting Office "reported last fall that no standards for such products exists"...."Of particular concern,the agency reported, was uncertainty about "the rate of degradation and the safety of the end products."
In contrast recycling is seen by many scientist as being "a more effective strategy" to combating plastic waste even if it is still in its infancy stages but it is worth noting "that not all can be successfully melted down and recast" for "coloring dyes, once in the plastic, cannot be removed".
References: Stevens, W.K., Degradable Plastics Show Promise in Fight Against Trash
http://www.nytimes.com/1989/04/11/science/degradable-plastics-show-promise-in-fight-against-trash.html?
While it is true that photodegradable's do break down in sunlight it is also true that they only break down into smaller pieces. In addition they do not degrade indoors or in a landfill, if covered up, however, they are do have some "value in Reducing Litter". Biodegradable's while having a use in medical procedures -sutures in the body for example- are mostly "still in the experimental and development stages".
What concerns most scientist is just how "effective all the techniques are, but also about how much reside remains after degradation takes place". The General Accounting Office "reported last fall that no standards for such products exists"...."Of particular concern,the agency reported, was uncertainty about "the rate of degradation and the safety of the end products."
In contrast recycling is seen by many scientist as being "a more effective strategy" to combating plastic waste even if it is still in its infancy stages but it is worth noting "that not all can be successfully melted down and recast" for "coloring dyes, once in the plastic, cannot be removed".
References: Stevens, W.K., Degradable Plastics Show Promise in Fight Against Trash
http://www.nytimes.com/1989/04/11/science/degradable-plastics-show-promise-in-fight-against-trash.html?
I use my grocery bags for small trash cans but what can you use for the kitchen trash cans? Boy, I had no idea that colored plastic can't be recycled.
ReplyDeleteDid you know that Oregon has a law (Bottle Bill) that keeps about 90% recycled. The Federal Government should require all states to do this.
Good morning Jo
DeleteThanks for sharing the information on the Oregon law. I was unaware of it and I agree that other states need to adopt the same type of plastic bottle recycling law.
To answer your first question on what to use for large trash cans one suggestion that the organic authority web-site suggests is to use the “large bags that dog food comes in”. You can view their other suggestions on how to live without plastic bags at:
http://www.organicauthority.com/sanctuary/how-to-live-without-plastic-bags.html
On the subject of colored plastics not only can they not be recycles but they can also be harmful to the environment and your health. For example the color green which is the commonest shade “used in plastics and paper”, and ironically the “symbol of sustainable design” contains (depending on which pigment you are talking about ) chlorine , bromide atoms, cobalt, titanium, nickel, or zinc oxide. In addition the most common shade of green pigment used has been linked to cancer and birth defects. The New York Times has an article on this and you can view the entire article at:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/05/arts/05iht-design5.html?pagewanted=all
That is a great idea and what I will do is put my large items in them and keep my plastic kitchen bags for small stuff. Hey, it will save me money, too.
DeleteOregon's law requires that glass bottles be recycled, too.
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