Biodegradable plastics vs. fossil-fuel-based plastics
Plastic has been one of the most significant inventions of the 20th century. It is cheap, durable, and versatile, which makes it ideal for use in various applications. However, plastic has become a severe environmental problem due to its inability to decompose naturally. According to the United Nations, approximately 300 million tons of plastic waste were produced globally in 2020, with only a small fraction being recycled.
As a response to the plastic pollution crisis, there has been an increasing demand for biodegradable plastics, which are designed to decompose naturally, unlike fossil-fuel-based plastics. While biodegradable plastics offer a solution to the plastic waste problem, it is crucial to compare their environmental benefits and drawbacks to that of fossil-fuel-based plastics to make an informed decision.
Fossil-fuel-based plastics
Fossil-fuel-based plastics are derived from non-renewable resources such as crude oil and natural gas. They take hundreds of years to degrade naturally, and the vast majority ends up in landfills, oceans, and other parts of the environment. Plastic waste causes harm to wildlife and marine ecosystems, pollutes the air and water, and releases harmful greenhouse gases during its manufacturing and degradation processes.
However, it is important to note that fossil-fuel-based plastics remain essential in certain industries such as healthcare, food packaging, and construction, where safety and hygiene are critical factors.
Biodegradable plastics
Biodegradable plastics, on the other hand, are designed to degrade naturally through biological processes, often within a few months. There are two main types of biodegradable plastics: plant-based and petroleum-based. Plant-based biodegradable plastics are made from renewable resources such as cornstarch, sugarcane, and potato starch. Petroleum-based biodegradable plastics are made from oil, but the manufacturing process is altered to include additives that enable them to degrade.
Biodegradable plastics reduce the volume of plastic waste in the environment and have lower greenhouse gas emissions during their production and degradation compared to fossil-fuel-based plastics. However, there are concerns that biodegradable plastics can create microplastics, which are tiny plastic particles that can enter the food chain and pose health risks to humans and animals.
Which one is better?
It is challenging to say which type of plastic is better, as both have their benefits and drawbacks. Biodegradable plastics are a useful alternative to fossil-fuel-based plastics for certain applications like single-use bags, straws, and food packaging. However, it is crucial to dispose of biodegradable plastics correctly, as they may not decompose under conditions such as lack of oxygen, sunlight, and high temperatures.
Fossil-fuel-based plastics are still necessary in certain applications, but efforts must be made to reduce its usage and increase its recycling. The circular economy model, which focuses on creating a closed-loop system and recycling plastic waste, can go a long way in reducing plastic pollution.
In conclusion, the plastic pollution crisis requires a multifaceted approach that encompasses reducing plastic usage, increasing recycling rates, and exploring sustainable alternatives such as biodegradable plastics. Ultimately, it is up to individuals, businesses, and governments to make a concerted effort to address this issue.
References
- United Nations. (2021). Plastic waste and pollution. https://www.unenvironment.org/interactive/plastic-pollution/