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
Gordon Ramsay Ditches Vegan Hate and Backs Flora’s Plant-Based Butter in New ‘Skip the Cow’ Campaign
- Totally Vegan Buzz Team
- 28th January 2025
Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, once infamous for his digs at vegans, has taken a sharp turn in the kitchen. Ramsay has teamed up with Flora, the famous UK-based spread brand, as its global ambassador, marking a bold new chapter in Flora’s “Skip the Cow” campaign. Flora, established in 1964, has long been a household name …
The Top 10 Vegan-Friendly Places in Latin America
- Totally Vegan Buzz Team
- 27th January 2025
Latin America is experiencing an extraordinary rise in plant-based dining options. A new study, spearheaded by Veganuary in partnership with the food discovery platform HappyCow, reveals that Latin America now boasts over 10,000 vegan, vegetarian, and vegan-friendly restaurants—an impressive 21.6% jump compared to last year. Brazil takes the crown as the number one country, with …
Continue reading “The Top 10 Vegan-Friendly Places in Latin America”
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. [wpViralQuiz id=27203]
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. [wpViralQuiz id=33494]
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. [wpViralQuiz id=31281] Read: QUIZ: If you score 19/20 on THIS quiz, you’re a Vegan God