Since campaigns against plastic bags have been successful, many retailers are replacing them with “biodegradable” plastic alternatives made of corn. Walmart and Pharmasave are just two retailers who have made the switch.
Although corn is a renewable resource, as opposed to traditional petroleum-based bags, isn’t it better to bring a reusable bag and not have to throw away anything at all? The Smithosonian Magazine published an article that takes the actual biodegradable factor of these bags into question. Read all about it here.
DT
In theory the idea of a replacement for the plastic bag seems very promising. However I wonder what turning agricultural products into manufacturing commodities will do to the influence the cost of produce at the consumer level. The growing bioeconomy has already caused the cost of feedstocks such as corn, wheat, and sugar to rise significantly. According to VOA news.com ninety percent of new cars sold in Brazil can run on the sugar based ethonal. For more about the bioeconomy in Canada check out the specail feature on the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada website: http://www4.agr.gc.ca/AAFC-AAC.....amp;lang=e. Let’s not forget how much water it takes to irrigate corn. Perhaps the push should be focused on a change of habit rather then finding a different kind of throw away solution. Choose reusable bags!