Even though I don’t like plastic, the convenience this non-biodegradable material has offered since its invention over a century ago cannot be denied. And I get the hypocrisy, as we all – even though people advocating the shedding of plastic – use it inadvertently and unwantedly through food packaging, beverage cartons, synthetic fabrics, feminine hygiene products, and even dental floss. However, the biggest problem arises with single-use plastic bags, which are so easy to replace yet people can’t seem to ditch them.
Plastic bags are easy and convenient to use, but with this material polluting every corner of the earth, it has become extremely crucial to look at innovative and biodegradable alternatives for these bags. These plastic bags make up for a shocking and quite frankly, an alarming amount of the plastic found in whale stomachs or bird nests.
Well, I guess it is high time we all switch to reusable and sustainable options. Read on to find more eco-friendly substitutes for plastic bags.
Bio-Plastic Bags
Bio-plastic is a plastic material made from plants and is the natural alternative to traditional plastic bags made from fossil fuels. These bags are perfect for shopping and packaging with a reduced carbon footprint. This material is made from various plant extracts and is not toxic to you or the environment. Bio-plastics are 52 microns thick, biodegradable, and can decompose in three to six months, unlike traditional plastic which takes centuries.
Image: Resource
Mushroom-Based Bags
Another innovative and biodegradable alternative to plastic bags is made from mushroom-based material known as mycelium. Mycelium is fast-growing fibers that produce material that is used for packaging, clothing, food, and construction. The fibers in the mushroom roots bind agricultural waste into an alternative kind of foam that can potentially replace plastic bags and Styrofoam. It is biodegradable, sustainable, and eco-friendly.
Image: Red Bubble
Paper Bags
A rather new trend, paper shopping bags have emerged as one of the most brilliant biodegradable alternatives to plastic bags to reduce single-use plastic bags. You might have seen or used those brown paper bags while buying clothes or groceries. They are extremely biodegradable substitutes for plastic shopping bags. Also, They’re cheap, easily available, and have inherent green properties.
Image: Twitter @Terra_Exchange
Canvas Bags
Similar to grocery store bags, canvas shopping bag materials range from synthetic fabrics and recycled materials to cotton and canvas. Focusing on limiting the environmental impact of frequently used and discarded shopping bags, the reusable canvas totes are usually made from recycled or sustainable materials.
Image: Food52
Reusable Cloth Bags
Reusable cloth shopping bags are better than any other bag alternatives. You can either make one from old and unused clothes or buy one to avoid waste generation. Such cloth bags come in a variety of colors. By using these eco-friendly and recyclable shopping bags, you help the planet and save money.
Image: Pinterest
You can also use DIY denim bags and banana leaf and bamboo packaging to ditch plastic shopping bags.