Biodegradable Products
Biodegradable products are products that undergo biodegradation. In theory, biodegradable products, or BPs for short, are the perfect solution for reducing a large percentage of the waste products that pollute our environment. These products are ideal because when immersed into an ecosystem, they are broken down by the action of living organisms. BPs are substances that have and continue to be heavily researched. Many products are being developed that have the characteristics of BPs – starches and cellulose, biodegradable polyesters, PHAs and PLAs all provide a flurry of hope.
Practically, on the other hand, there are two main problems that arise. Firstly, there is a general lack of interest in BPs amongst the public, due to their unfamiliarity and greater financial expense when compared to regular non-BPs. Secondly, there is a lack of infrastructure to dispose of BPs that are sold. For BPs that are water soluble, this is much less of an issue, yet most other BPs are carried to a landfill site where they fare no better than non-BPs.
The greatest issue with BPs is public motivation and awareness. People in general do not realize the difference that these products would give the environment, and since they are not familiar with the products, they are less willing to buy them. Therefore, the trouble lies in better marketing. However, marketing requires funds, and funds for BPs are not in a prime state. If the public were more aware of the benefits, they may be more willing to invest in the products, but it requires marketing to make the public more aware, which in turn requires money. Hence, a vicious cycle is initiated. Nevertheless, if the government were to better promote and invest in marketing, they could break the cycle. Thus, it is essential for the government not only to begin funding BP marketing, but also to begin to fund infrastructure for BP disposal.
The rise of BPs is a great opportunity to help better the environment. By recycling and using biodegradable products, emission of items that may harm the environment may be reduced.
Although there is a lack of infrastructure for disposing of BPs, as well as a lack of public awareness of their benefits, with governmental funding these problems can be solved. The composting system that is found in Ontario would be ideal for BP disposal if awareness were raised, and this type of system should be instituted all across North America. It is vital that the public be motivated to help with the environment, and that each person takes it upon themselves to make the world a cleaner place.
http://www.mindfully.org/Plastic/Biodegrade/Green-PlasticsAug00.htm
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