The term ‘biodegradable’ has become more common in recent years as consumers become aware of the impact plastic has on the ocean. Anyone buying a so-called eco-friendly bag might expect it to swiftly disintegrate into the sea as it reaches the coast – but latest research has blown these perceptions out of the water.
A study published in the journal Environmental Science has found that some plastic bags advertised as biodegradable were still fully intact – even able to carry shopping – after being exposed to the elements for three years.
Scientists tested compostable bags, two types of biodegradable bag and a conventional plastic bag to see how they held up to long-term sea, air and earth exposure.
None of the bags were fully decomposed in any of the environments after three years. Perhaps most shockingly the biodegradable bags, which had been either buried in soil or in the sea, were still strong enough to carry shopping.
The compostable bag fared slightly better – it had disappeared in a marine environment after three years, but scientists warn that more testing is needed to be sure of the impact this has on the sea.
After 27 months in soil the compostable bag was still present, but too weak to hold shopping.
Study
The study was conducted by researchers from the University of Plymouth’s International Marine Litter Research Unit.
Authors say it brings into question whether biodegradable bags are a realistic solution to the problem of plastic bags.
Study lead Imogen Napper said: “After three years, I was really amazed that any of the bags could still hold a load of shopping.
“For biodegradable bags to be able to do that was the most surprising. When you see something labelled in that way, I think you automatically assume it will degrade more quickly than conventional bags.
“But, after three years at least, our research shows that might not be the case.”
What do you think of this study? Tell us in the comments section below!
Lifestyle
Vegan culture, food, beauty & more
22-year-old kinesiology student says vegan diet and exercise helped her shed 50lb
- Mohsina Dodhiya
- 16th April 2021
“I enjoy the vegan lifestyle because I have a lot of energy from eating tons of carbs, and I have less stomach issues as well.” A kinesiology student says going vegan has helped her lose weight, transformed her life, and inspired her to become a ‘personal trainer’. Sharing her weight loss journey, 22-year-old Hope Peterson …
Plant-powered mum calls for vegan options in schools across the UK
- Mohsina Dodhiya
- 13th April 2021
“More than one in a hundred people in the UK are now vegan, and the proportion is growing every year. It’s time our schools catch up and make sure all their pupils feel safe, welcome, and valued.” A vegan pupil’s mother has been campaigning to add vegan options to school menus across the UK. According …
VEGAN MEMES
NEED A LAUGH?
QUIZZES
All the quizzes you love to binge!
QUIZ: If you score 11/12 on this quiz, you’re a verified vegan food expert
- Marlon Farrugia
- 10th January 2020
How much vegan knowledge do you have stored away? Do you have to Google your way through a shopping trip, or do you have all the bad E-numbers memorised? Find out now with this quiz. Marlon Farrugia Marlon Farrugia is a freelance writer from Brighton. He has been a dedicated vegan for many years, and …
QUIZ: What is your perfect Vegan Halloween Costume?
- Marlon Farrugia
- 13th October 2019
Spook Season approaches. There will be ghosts, goblins, ghouls, and glucose. You need a costume, and you want to it to show off your personality, which means VEGAN. But what to choose? Take our quiz to find out your perfect outfit. Marlon Farrugia Marlon Farrugia is a freelance writer from Brighton. He has been a …
QUIZ: What kind of vegetable are you?
- Marlon Farrugia
- 26th September 2019
“If you were a vegetable, what kind would you be?” A question that has tormented humanity throughout the ages – until now. Read: QUIZ: If you score 19/20 on THIS quiz, you’re a Vegan God Marlon Farrugia Marlon Farrugia is a freelance writer from Brighton. He has been a dedicated vegan for many years, and …