Do you think the government should force supermarkets to use bioplastics (Fully degradeable) carrier bags?

Question

90% of disposal of products goes into land sites. 5% is recycling and 5% is incineration. And we are apparantly entering a 'greener' stage?! Doesn't look it.

Landfill sites release harmful chemicals and explosive gases which damage the environment to no end. Animals natural habitats are destroyed and pollutants are released all the time. However, we could help change that.

A plastic called Polylactic acid (PLA) is a vegetable based bioplastic. This means that the plastic biodegrades quickly (within months), under composting conditions and do not leave a toxic residue. It decomposes straight back into soil and puts nutrients back into the earth!

You can recycle plastic bags yourself in your own back garden in a few months! Think of the difference. Views please!

If you agree please sign petition below to try to persuade the goverment to force the supermarkets and help reduce the harm on the envioroment! Thanks!

http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/BioPlastic/

Answer 1

Done it!

Fully agree.  The Co-op use these types of carrier bags, so there is no reason in the world why EVERY shop (not just supermarkets) shouldn't supply them!

Answer 2

Yes, this is a great idea, but  I don't live in the UK so I can't sign the petition.

Even when you recycle plastic bags, it is not good enough - there is still pollution created in the process of recycling.  This is the perfect sollution - biodegradable plastic bags.

I will remember this: PLA (polylactic acid).

Answer 3

The only problem at this point is that the bioplastic industry is just getting going.  I don't think we have enough supply yet.  

Someone mentioned degradeable plastics not breaking down properly.  I don't think that applies to the new bioplastics.

PLA is not the only kind of bioplastic.  A company called Metabolix makes PHA, which has better properties in many cases, and is 100% compostable.  They use genetically modified bacteria to digest plant matter and produce plastic, with fewer steps and costs than used to produce PLA.  They can  do this with non food crops like switchgrass.  Several big corporations in the chemical industry are exploring bioplastics.

Metabolix can actually grow switchgrass with the plastic already in the stems and leaves.  This does NOT involve genetically modifying the plants.

The only thing genetically modified is the bacteria used in the process.  They have already done this in the lab and have a federal grant to explore it further.

Answer 4

This sounds really good, why hasn't it been advertised / marketed more? Governments all over should really start stepping up to the plate!

Answer 5

yes they should start doing something instead of sitting on there a********

Answer 6

Yes they should

Answer 7

Yes all packaging should where possible should be biodegradable

Answer 8

Of course they should. But what I find strange is that people need the Gov to instruct companies not to issue the plastic bags. Surely they can get a number of different bags and use them.  But of course then they would have to buy plastic bin liners.

Answer 9

I think that you are on to something  so I say yes

Answer 10

If you have to shop in a supermarket in the first place why dont you just use their empty boxes to carry your shopping home in?  Assuming you are in a car.  If not use a shopping trolley - the sort more commonly used by elderly people!  Ive had mine since my son was 2, he is now 15 and it has lasted that long, being chocca full of heavey shopping and him sitting on top til he was about 4 years of age and walking home the 3 miles to where we lived!  

Now thats worth considering!!

Answer 11

Definitely.  Even if you don't believe in global warming and stuff, its still much better for the environment.

Answer 12

Indefinately. If they really gave a s*** they would

Answer 13

yes definately

Answer 14

I don't think its just about changing to biodegradable plastic bags, but also encouraging the reuse of plastic bags.

I have to say that I used to never bring my own bags to the supermarket before but was encouraged to do it  when they started offering green club card points for reusing plastic bags. I  now have 3 of their bags to life which I only change if they tear and also carry a few extra regular plastic bags.

Since I have been collecting my green club card points, I have also started to carry around a canvas bag in my car with me, so I have reduced my use of plastic bags in general.

I think we need to try to continue to educate people about reusing, reducing and recyleing.

Answer 15

No,

  Every time you force the government into our lives it costs more in taxes rules and quality of life.

   Plastic bags are easily recycled and use less energy than the Bio-plastics. 1 barrel of oil makes about 5,000 grocery bags. This includes the gas diesel and other compounds extracted. Bio- plastics need a lot more energy to produce, they only decompose when exposed to sunlight/lots of O2/water. Since landfills try to limit all these they actually last for as long as paper bags (40 years) and they are not as strong as their plastic counterparts.

  Now I am pro recycling on plastic bags. With today’s technology and innovation these bags can be reused for many things including landscape lumber (When combined with sawdust).  The key is to get the public behind any recycling program and keep them out of the landfill. As the engineer stated you can always tell where a landfill is by the plastic bags along the roads.

    Do your part, ask the grocers to place a bin for recycling plastic bags. Suggest they offer a discount % by weight for the plastic bags you bring in (It takes a lot of bags to weigh a pound). Having the government tell you what to do is like moving back in to you Mon and Dads house, then telling your girlfriend that you have curfew because you cant take care of yourself.

Answer 16

YES!!!!

Answer 17

Here in Ireland you have to pay about 15-20 cents for a plastic bag.Most people reuse bags or buy a few long life reusable ones. I tend to use a foldable eco bags which is bag made out of  a quite durable fabric which cost about a euro each . The problem with degradable bags is when there at landfill there compacted under other rubbish and do'nt degrade properly as they would in the open and are just as damaging as compacted food waste at landfill

Answer 18

no but i do think they should outlaw Styrofoam. and add a reward for using biodegradable products.

Answer 19

Yes i do, It's just like AL gore said, on a scale which one is worth more, gold on one side and the earth on the other side! So without the earth there would be no gold, no money. so it is worth the cost! I think it's great that you are make this petition, but i do not think it is safe to put my full name on the Internet and I'm sorry if this dose not count.

                                        Clairel.

Answer 20

Yes most definitely and even these should be paid for to encourage re-use. I am a countryside environmental volunteer,  and I pick up literally thousands of discarded plastic bags from nature reserves, each winter.

Answer 21

nope