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Paper, plastic and biodegradable: which packages are the most dangerous
It is widely believed that the plastic bags are the most environmentally unfriendly type of packaging. Alternatively they are offered paper or biodegradable bags. Recycle asked the experts what packages are actually dangerous to the environment and what better to go shopping and go on nature.
Elena Smirnova, Ph. D. Director of development, conservation work of the GREENS
The worst impact on the environment paper bags and packages of biodegradable plastic with additives.
The main harm from paper bags in their production. First, most often consumed is the primary wood and although it is a renewable resource, but spending it on packs is barbaric. Second, the high cost of electricity and the third – most dangerous large amounts of water and toxic waste water from paper production. Besides, a paper bag can only be used once.
If you take into account the entire life cycle of packages from production to trash can, it is safest for the surrounding environment is still an ordinary plastic bag.
Bags with biodegradable additives — a rise in the production and unnecessary ingredients despite the fact that they are still in landfills do not decompose. Get extra resources consumption. On the other hand, a conventional plastic bag can be used more than once, that just makes it the lesser of two evils.
Anna Sycheva, Manager of environmental projects of GC "OPTICOM"
The least negative impact throughout the life cycle to have the package made of polyethylene. Slightly worse package of oxoralen polyethylene, i.e. polyethylene with special additives that allow it to collapse under the influence of sunlight.
Even more dangerous for the environment packages from biodegradable plastics that is because their production requires a lot of energy and water. The antilinear rating – packages of paper. Although many consider them environmentally friendly, in fact one paper package quantity attributable to him of emissions and resource cost corresponds to several plastic bags.
However, consumers often assess the harmfulness of the packages according to their suitability for recycling. For people matter what happens with the package after they would throw it away.
Therefore, many look for packages made of biodegradable materials. However retail stores under the guise of biodegradable accuratley often sell packages. Over time, these packages will crumble into dust, but its further fate is unknown, however, it is unknown how this plastic dust is dangerous to humans and the environment. So it make sense to buy such packages no.
Ekaterina Brusilovskaya, development Manager at FSC Russia
Bags are often considered more environmentally friendly, primarily because of the speed of decomposition in the environment, and also because wood is a renewable natural resource.
But not so simple. You need to understand where they took the trees from which is produced the package? This is very important. Maybe cut down a whole forest and left for the desert, or wood, in principle, was harvested illegally.
Therefore we recommend to search for the FSC logo ("tree check") – this gives assurance that the wood was harvested responsibly.
Another good option is to choose paper bags made from recycled materials. Their production requires less resources.
Alexey Krylov, Director of Ecocenter "Sparrow hills"
From the point of view of ecology of natural areas the most dangerous can be called plastic bags. If Park is lying in a plastic bag, then the chances are that he will decompose, no, rather he will be in the stomachs of birds or animals. It is unconditional harm and environmental pollution.
Jean Baudrillard: a World which is getting more and more information and less sense
For each day there is one MAGIC moment
Thus, I can say that, of course, it is better not to litter in nature, but really, if you can not convey the package to the ballot box, then take into the woods paper pack.
Author: Natalia Paramonova
P. S. And remember, only by changing their consumption — together we change the world! ©
Source: recyclemag.ru/article/kakie-pakety-samye-opasnye
Elena Smirnova, Ph. D. Director of development, conservation work of the GREENS
The worst impact on the environment paper bags and packages of biodegradable plastic with additives.
The main harm from paper bags in their production. First, most often consumed is the primary wood and although it is a renewable resource, but spending it on packs is barbaric. Second, the high cost of electricity and the third – most dangerous large amounts of water and toxic waste water from paper production. Besides, a paper bag can only be used once.
If you take into account the entire life cycle of packages from production to trash can, it is safest for the surrounding environment is still an ordinary plastic bag.
Bags with biodegradable additives — a rise in the production and unnecessary ingredients despite the fact that they are still in landfills do not decompose. Get extra resources consumption. On the other hand, a conventional plastic bag can be used more than once, that just makes it the lesser of two evils.
Anna Sycheva, Manager of environmental projects of GC "OPTICOM"
The least negative impact throughout the life cycle to have the package made of polyethylene. Slightly worse package of oxoralen polyethylene, i.e. polyethylene with special additives that allow it to collapse under the influence of sunlight.
Even more dangerous for the environment packages from biodegradable plastics that is because their production requires a lot of energy and water. The antilinear rating – packages of paper. Although many consider them environmentally friendly, in fact one paper package quantity attributable to him of emissions and resource cost corresponds to several plastic bags.
However, consumers often assess the harmfulness of the packages according to their suitability for recycling. For people matter what happens with the package after they would throw it away.
Therefore, many look for packages made of biodegradable materials. However retail stores under the guise of biodegradable accuratley often sell packages. Over time, these packages will crumble into dust, but its further fate is unknown, however, it is unknown how this plastic dust is dangerous to humans and the environment. So it make sense to buy such packages no.
Ekaterina Brusilovskaya, development Manager at FSC Russia
Bags are often considered more environmentally friendly, primarily because of the speed of decomposition in the environment, and also because wood is a renewable natural resource.
But not so simple. You need to understand where they took the trees from which is produced the package? This is very important. Maybe cut down a whole forest and left for the desert, or wood, in principle, was harvested illegally.
Therefore we recommend to search for the FSC logo ("tree check") – this gives assurance that the wood was harvested responsibly.
Another good option is to choose paper bags made from recycled materials. Their production requires less resources.
Alexey Krylov, Director of Ecocenter "Sparrow hills"
From the point of view of ecology of natural areas the most dangerous can be called plastic bags. If Park is lying in a plastic bag, then the chances are that he will decompose, no, rather he will be in the stomachs of birds or animals. It is unconditional harm and environmental pollution.
Jean Baudrillard: a World which is getting more and more information and less sense
For each day there is one MAGIC moment
Thus, I can say that, of course, it is better not to litter in nature, but really, if you can not convey the package to the ballot box, then take into the woods paper pack.
Author: Natalia Paramonova
P. S. And remember, only by changing their consumption — together we change the world! ©
Source: recyclemag.ru/article/kakie-pakety-samye-opasnye
