It’s no secret that the world is facing some major environmental challenges. From climate change to deforestation, we are damaging our planet at an alarming rate. One of the ways we can help turn this around is by making small changes in our everyday lives.
One simple way to reduce your carbon footprint is by using eco-friendly food scrap bags. These bags are made from biodegradable materials and are an excellent alternative to plastic bags. Not only will they help reduce the amount of waste that goes into landfills, but they are also freezer safe, so you can keep them in your freezer until you are ready to use them.
So without further ado, here’s all you need to know about eco-friendly food scrap bags.
How do people usually store scrap food?
The vast majority of people store their compostable food scraps in kitchen containers. Most kitchen countertop containers are made of plastic which is harmful to the environment and creates a lot of unnecessary waste.
Another way people store these is in a large plastic trash bag. Trash bags are made from petroleum, which is a non-renewable resource. They take hundreds of years to decompose, and in the meantime, they release harmful toxins into the environment.
Each year, we use billions of plastic bags, and most of them end up in landfills. In fact, it’s estimated that only 9% of all plastic ever produced has been recycled.
This is where an eco-friendly food scrap bag would come in. They provide a much better solution for storing your food remains.
What is a food scrap bag for?
Unless you’re lucky enough to have your own composting bin, chances are your food waste ends up in the trash. And while it may not seem like a big deal, those scraps actually make up a significant portion of waste in landfills. In fact, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, organic waste makes up about 28% of what’s in landfills.
When organic waste like food scrap decomposes, it produces methane, a greenhouse gas that is much more potent than carbon dioxide. So by using food scrap bags, you can help keep organic waste out of landfills, and reduce your contribution to climate change.
What are they made of?
Compostable bags are made of biodegradable materials like cornstarch or other plant-based ingredients. This means that a food scrap bag will break down over time, without harming the environment.
Do be warned that there is a certain category of food scrap bags made of plastic. These bags will photo-degrade and release harmful toxins into the environment in the meantime. So make sure to avoid these if you’re looking for a truly eco-friendly option.
What are the benefits?
In addition to helping reduce your carbon footprint, these compostable bags have a number of other benefits.
For one, they’re freezer safe. This means you can store them in your freezer until you’re ready to use them. This is especially handy if you want to reuse your compostable items for fertilizer but don’t have a lot of space for a compost bin.
Another benefit is that they help keep your kitchen cleaner. Because vegetable scraps can attract pests, it’s important to store them in a compostable bag. Otherwise, you run the risk of attracting insects and rodents into your home.
How long does it take for a compostable bag to decompose?
The answer to this question depends on the type of compostable scrap bags you’re using. Some bags will take longer to decompose than others.
For example, cornstarch bags will usually decompose within a few months. On the other hand, bags made of other materials can take up to a year to break down.
Where can I buy them?
You can find biodegradable food scrap bags online or at your local health food store.
When choosing a brand, look for one that is certified compostable by the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI). This certification ensures that the bags will break down in a commercial composting facility.
Another way you can find a huge variety of food scrap bags is via online stores such as Amazon.com. Amazon is a huge marketplace that allows all vendors in the area to be found in one place for the consumer’s convenience.
What should I look for when buying them?
When purchasing food scrap bags, make sure to avoid plastic options. As mentioned before, plastic bags will photo-degrade and release harmful toxins into the environment. Instead, opt for a biodegradable bag made from cornstarch.
You should also make sure that the size of the bag is appropriate for your needs. If you have a lot of food scraps, you’ll need a bigger bag. But if you only have a few scraps here and there, a smaller bag will do the trick. Do not get a bag that is too big or too small for your needs as this will be wasteful and inefficient.
What are some things to avoid?
When using food scrap bags, there are a few things you’ll want to avoid.
First, don’t use them for liquids. Because they’re not waterproof, the liquid will leak out and make a mess. Stick to solid food scraps only.
Second, don’t put hot food in the bags. The heat will cause the bag to break down prematurely. And finally, don’t overfill the bags. This will make them more likely to tear.
What are some of the best brands?
Holy Scrap! is a leader in sustainable packaging. Their products are made from renewable resources and are 100% compostable. They offer a variety of sizes, including both small and large bags.
Hippo Sak offers a wide range of eco-friendly products, including food scrap bags. Being a leader in sustainable packaging, their bags are proudly made in the US from plant-based materials and are home compost certified.
With over 19000 positive reviews on Amazon, UNNI’s compostable food scrap bags are a popular choice among consumers. These bags are made from 100% organic materials and are BPI certified under the US standard ASTM D6400.
There are certainly other awesome brands in the market, but no matter what brand you choose, make sure that the bags are made from biodegradable materials and are certified compostable. This will ensure that they will break down properly and not end up in the landfill.
What are some tips for using them?
Here are some tips for using food scrap bags:
- Tie the bag closed tightly to keep out pests.
- Label the bag with the date so you know when to compost the contents.
- Store the bag in a cold, dry place until you’re ready to use it.
- Don’t store meat. Meat is not one of the compostable products, so stick to plant-based items such as vegetables and coffee grounds.
- Don’t overfill the bag – this will make it more likely to tear.
- Don’t put hot food in the bag – the heat will cause the bag to break down prematurely.
- Don’t use the bag for liquids, especially hot liquids.
By following these tips, you’ll get the most out of your food scrap bags and help reduce your carbon footprint in the kitchen.
Are biodegradable food waste bags edible?
This may sound like a silly question, but it’s one that we get asked a lot, especially with people who have little children or pets. The answer is no, these compostable bags are not edible.
They are made from plant-based materials, but they are not meant to be eaten. If ingested, they could cause digestive issues. So, if you have little ones or pets, make sure to keep the bags out of their reach. If they accidentally ingest any part of the bag, please call your doctor or veterinarian immediately.
Final Thoughts
With the increase in the use of plastic bags for storing most of the items we see around, many people are now looking for more sustainable options. One such option is using food scrap bags. Made from biodegradable materials, these bags are an important step in reducing the amount of waste that goes into landfills.
With little but effective steps taken such as this, we can make a huge impact on the environment and help preserve our planet for many generations to come.