That's A Lot Of Waste: 3 Ways That Biodegradable Polymers Help The Environment
When it comes to the environment, landfill waste is probably one of the biggest problems. Virtually every consumer by-product – such as grocery bags and packaging – ends up in a landfill somewhere. Not only that, but agricultural and medical waste also comprise a large percentage of waste each year. Luckily, there is a way to reduce the amount of waste that makes it into landfills. Products made from biodegradable polymers break up in the environment, reducing the amount of waste that's left behind. Here are a few ways that biodegradable polymers help the environment by reducing waste.
Agricultural Products
You might not think that agricultural activities produce much waste. However, things like mulch to keep the moisture in the soil, and crop sheeting to prevent seeds from blowing away, all contribute to landfill waste. Biodegradable polymers reduce that.
Mulch
Most mulch is made from polyethylene, which can be harmful for the environment. In fact, organic farms do not use those types of mulch. However, mulch produced from biodegradable polymers can be used by organic farmers, because the product can be tilled back into the soil where it will decompose safely, and naturally.
Crop Sheeting
Crop sheeting is used to product tender seedlings until they're able to thrive on their own. The problem with most sheeting products is that they're harmful for the environment. Biodegradable polymer sheeting poses no threat to the environment. Once the crop season is over, the sheeting can be plowed under.
Consumer Products
Consumer products produce a large amount of waste. Unfortunately, most of it ends up in local landfills. Biodegradable polymers can reduce the amount of time that consumer waste lingers in landfills.
Plastic Bags
Ordinary plastic bags last forever. However, those bags made using biodegradable polymers will decompose faster, which means they won't hang around forever.
Food Packaging
When it comes to food packaging, one of the biggest problems is the plastic wrapping that is placed around things like meat and cheese. Biodegradable polymers can be made that will decompose. This is particularly beneficial when spoiled food is tossed in the trash, wrapper and all.
Medical Supplies
Medical waste is another problem for local landfills. One of the issues is that most medical supplies aren't biodegradable. However, many medical supplies are now being produced using biodegradable polymers.
Sutures
If you've ever had sutures removed by your doctor, you know that they get tossed in the medical waste bin. Biodegradable sutures dissolve as you heal, which means they don't need to be removed. That means there isn't any waste product left behind.
Micro-Devices
During treatment for cancer, and other diseases, small ports are often implanted beneath the skin to provide quick-release of medication. Once removed, the ports are discarded. However, micro-devices made from biodegradable materials can be left in because they'll decompose right inside the body.
Check with a company like AGRONWORKS LLC for more information.
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