Waste Degradation is very important for the environment and it is our responsibility to dispose of our waste properly. This article throws some light on what methods can be used to ensure a proper waste degradation using the biodegradable plastic bags. In order to do their part to preserve the environment and reduce their waste, many companies and savvy consumers are willing to change their habits. The use of biodegradable or oxo-biodegradable plastic bags is part of the new greener habits of many responsible people. However, it is important to know how these biodegradable bags decompose in nature. You must first understand what the biodegradation really is? This is the process of decomposition of organic matter which is caused by micro-organisms such as bacteria, fungi and algae. For the process of biodegradation, there must be a biodegradable material under conditions conducive to the development of micro-organisms that prevails in a warm and humid atmosphere. Micro-organisms will then proliferate and attack the molecular structure of matter which will break up and gradually disappear, leaving in the trace of elements that are not harmful in nature to the environment. The materials which are not biodegradable however have molecular structures that cannot be decomposed by microorganisms. The plastics are not naturally biodegradable, unlike paper for example. Plastic bags are however advantages that paper bags do not have. For the same resistance, they are lighter than paper bags, and their production requires less energy and creates less pollution. Though the problem with plastic bags remained the pollution they created after use and discharging of toxic gases. After a lengthy research, scientists have finally solved this problem by inventing oxo-biodegradable plastic bags by adding agents pro-degradants that are made from metal salts and are not harmful to the environment. The addition of these additives does not compromise the quality, strength and sealing of bags. By cons, changing the molecular structure of the bags, they can be oxidized under the action of heat and sunlight, which has the effect of severing the links between the various molecules. Thus, once in favorable conditions, micro-organisms can continue their work by breaking the bag. It then gradually loses its strength, then fragment to disappear visually. The micro-organisms to biodegrade will complete while leaving no toxic deposit in the environment. Unlike other biodegradable materials that require heat and humidity, and therefore, will decompose more quickly if they are buried, oxo-biodegradable plastic bags can begin their degradation in the open air as they are abandoned in the wilderness. Depending on conditions, oxo-biodegradable bags can begin to degrade within a period of 18 months. However, some of them can be recycled or even composted. However, it should be kept in mind that if you want to place oxo-biodegradable bags in your recycling bin, you must label it because the municipalities lack the facilities needed to integrate properly with other recyclable plastics without compromising the composition of products created from of these materials. There are many companies now producing oxo-biodegradable plastic bags for mass use and most municipalities are recognizing its use.
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