Just How Important Are Biodegradable Plastics?
It seems like over the last year or two, all the major companies have been jumping on board not only with a "green" product line, but with biodegradable plastics. I'd like to focus on the three major food service items that have been getting makeovers: cups, utensils and trash bags. To narrow it further, forget about items listed simply as "degradable"... what isn't? This is deceptive. "Biodegradable plastics" or "compostable plastics" that will completely compost in a commercial compost facility are what to look for. PLA (polylactic acid) is one of the most common corn based plastics used. Are they worth it? I'm not so sure. Assuming they're non-toxic and biodegrading as described, most people will not be able to compost these items in their backyard piles. This instantly reminds…