Why don't stores have biodegradable bags?

Question

I heard some stores are going back to paper which is aweful for the trees. Grocery stores sell the reusable bags. But we've been using the store shopping bags for our garbage for years. Saves us money from buying garbage bags that aren't biodegradable. We live in the boonies and have to bring our rubbish to the town dump. Town only recycles cardboard and metal. Any suggestions what we can do regarding garbage bags? Is there a way an individual can bring items somewhere to recycle when their town doesn't?

Answer 1

I felt the same way for a long time, and then last year during Christmas, I ended up buying burlap eco friendly shopping bags to put each person's gifts in.  It was a huge hit.  I found some on eBay and even in my local Dollar Shop. . . We now use them all of the time and it gives a sense of pride when the cashiers ask paper or plastic, and we can say neither :)  I even had to tell our local Wal-Mart store manager about their new corporate policy of having the option to use these bags, and a few weeks later they were in for a buck apiece :)  I really think that this is the way to go, because back less than a century ago, people used bags, baskets, and such for their shopping needs.   In modern times, most other countries still do. . . it's the wave of the future. . . merging the old with the new :)

By the way, paper is bad, but so is plastics.  The petroleum in 16 shopping bags will drive your car for one mile. . . pretty scary with the gas prices the way they are now.

Answer 2

stores dont have biodegradable bags because they are really expensive compared to paper and petroleum based plastic bags at the moment.  even if there was biodegradable bags available i think it's best to bring your own bags anyways and try to consume less stuff.  that way there will be less trash generated, no recycling to worry about and less garbage bags to be used.

Answer 3

I found garbage bags at walmart for a reasonable price. They are called Good Sense. You can buy yard bags or kitchen trash bags. They are made of 60% recycled plastic. Considering that they are already made of recycled material, I am surprised and happy with how durable they are. I don't cram it full but I've got them pretty full before and they don't tear very easy as I would have expected.

I don't know what's happening but my wal mart doesnt carry them anymore. I did go to another location and found them in the clearance section. I hope this helps!

Good Luck!

Answer 4

if possible in your vehicle- buy a couple of garbage cans , and haul those to the dump- or even storage tote boxes- then they can be reused- I am sure our garbage men hate us, but in my house we rarely use garbage bags we just throw the trash staight into the can loose- for garbage that isn't soggy you could go to local businesses and collect cardboard boxes and reuse those as garbage containers too

Answer 5

The reason is that people will think twice or more when buying biodegradable bags. Because the bag won't lasting for long. It will lasting only for one week (the longest period). My suggestion is, if you want to shop use your "forever bag" until it is boken. Then, you'll live green.

Answer 6

yes, you can take your recyclables to a junk or salvage yard and get cash for them

Answer 7

I don't know how large your town is but here in Rogers, AR we have one of the best recycle centers in that nation.  It might be something you could get started in your community, the link below shows the benefits to the community with volunteer help

http://www.rogersarkansas.com/trash/inte...

Answer 8

Wal-Mart accepts polyethelene plastic bags for recycle. The less paper we consume, the better.