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Green Post: Biodegradable Plastics
I have heard a long time ago about biodegradable plastics and often wonder why they are not used in a big scale. Biodegradable plastics as we know, are plastics which will decompose in the natural environment. Microorganisms in the environment are able to metabolize its molecular structure to produce an inert humus-like material that is less harmful to the environment. However, the biodegradation is often very slow. Proper composting methods are required and even then, the process may contribute to carbon dioxide emissions especially if it is oil-based biodegradable plastics we are talking about. This of course, will lead to a bigger problem which is global warming. We can't have it all, can we? Sometimes, I wonder about those days when there is no plastics. How do the people of those days cope?
I have heard a long time ago about biodegradable plastics and often wonder why they are not used in a big scale. Biodegradable plastics as we know, are plastics which will decompose in the natural environment. Microorganisms in the environment are able to metabolize its molecular structure to produce an inert humus-like material that is less harmful to the environment. However, the biodegradation is often very slow. Proper composting methods are required and even then, the process may contribute to carbon dioxide emissions especially if it is oil-based biodegradable plastics we are talking about. This of course, will lead to a bigger problem which is global warming. We can't have it all, can we? Sometimes, I wonder about those days when there is no plastics. How do the people of those days cope?
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