Go for Bioplastics

The Government of India is trying hard to shut down the use of plastics which is very harmful for our environment. But what next? Paper? Many believe that paper bags are more environmentally friendly than plastic bags because these are made from renewable source, are biodegradable and also recyclable. But paper bags have a much higher global warming potential (GWP). The manufacturing of paper bags is much more intensive than plastic bags. According to life cycle assessment (LCA) studies in Europe and North America, plastic bags have a smaller environmental impact than paper bags. The Scottish government’s report in 2005 on plastic shopping bags noted that the manufacture of paper bags consume four times more water and generates three times more greenhouse gases compared to plastic bags. Using paper bags also means cutting of trees, which damages the environment. Plastic bags were invented as an alternative to paper bags in the late 1970s to protect trees and prevent cutting down of forests. A better solution could be Bioplastics, which are a form of plastic derived from renewable biomass source, such as vegetable starch. And people should also control their wastage so that one bag can be used several times.

Lina Sharma,

Nalbari.