We all want to do our part to help the planet, and choosing “green” plastics seems like a step in the right direction. They promise to be better for the environment, breaking down quickly and leaving no trace behind. But are they as good as they sound? Let’s take a closer look.
What Are ‘Green’ Plastics?
Green plastics, often called biodegradable or compostable plastics, are made to break down faster than regular plastic. They sound like a perfect solution to our plastic problem, but the reality is more complicated.
The Problem with Biodegradable Plastics
Biodegradable plastics are designed to break down in the environment, but they don’t always do so as advertised. For example, a plastic bag labeled as biodegradable might take years to decompose if it ends up in the ocean or a landfill. This is because many biodegradable plastics need specific conditions, like high heat, to break down completely—conditions that aren’t found in most natural environments.
A 2015 study found that some biodegradable plastics can still be intact after three years in the ocean. That means that these “green” plastics can still harm wildlife, just like traditional plastics.
Compostable Plastics: Not as Simple as It Seems
Compostable plastics are supposed to decompose in composting environments, turning into organic material that enriches the soil. But not all compostable plastics are created equal. Some need industrial composting facilities to break down, which aren’t available everywhere. If these plastics end up in a regular landfill, they might not break down at all.
For example, compostable cups and plates used at events often end up in the trash rather than a composting facility. In a landfill, these items can take as long to decompose as regular plastic.
Greenwashing: When Green Isn’t Really Green
Many companies market their products as “green” to attract eco-conscious consumers. This practice, known as greenwashing, can be misleading. Just because a product is labeled as biodegradable or compostable doesn’t mean it’s better for the environment. It’s essential to read the fine print and understand what these terms really mean.
For instance, a coffee cup might be labeled as compostable, but if it needs to be processed in an industrial composting facility that isn’t available in your area, it’s not much better than a regular cup.
The Hidden Costs of ‘Green’ Plastics
Producing green plastics often requires a lot of resources. For example, some biodegradable plastics are made from corn, which requires water, land, and energy to grow. The production process for these plastics can sometimes be more harmful to the environment than making traditional plastics.
A 2010 study found that some biodegradable plastics might even produce more greenhouse gases during their production than regular plastics. This raises the question: are we really helping the planet by choosing these alternatives?
What Can We Do?
The best way to reduce plastic pollution is to use less plastic altogether. Instead of relying on green plastics, we can focus on using reusable items like metal water bottles, cloth shopping bags, and glass containers. By making small changes in our daily lives, we can make a big difference.
Supporting companies that prioritize sustainability and advocating for better waste management are also essential steps. It’s about being mindful of our choices and pushing for systemic change that reduces our overall reliance on plastic.
In the end, green plastics aren’t a magic fix for the plastic pollution problem. While they might be a step in the right direction, they come with their own set of challenges. To truly protect our planet, we need to look at the bigger picture and find ways to reduce our plastic use in all areas of our lives.
