Earlier this year, I wrote about wanting to use biodegradable trash bags once I start composting food waste. Imagine my surprise when I realized biodegradable trash bags can be worse than regular plastic trash bags in the landfill. Yes, I came across this post at Fake Plastic Fish, explaining that the anaerobic conditions in most landfills cause bio-based bags to "break down and create methane gas, which is a far more powerful greenhouse gas than CO2." (Apparently, bio-bags are still safe for composting situations, where aerobic conditions exist.)
Beth, the author of Fake Plastic Fish, doesn't use trash bags. That isn't an option for us at this time. But she does suggest some alternatives that might be better choices, including bags made from recycled content.
But how frustrating that it is so hard to make the best green decisions. Have you made a "green" change only to realize that it wasn't such an eco-friendly option? Any tips that might help the newly greening like myself navigate this difficult journey?
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4 comments:
I don't have an answer.I'm constantly weighing choices.Like this summer I went to Farmer's Market to buy green & local. It was 22 miles round trip. The trek used up gas & hit my wallet when prices were high. I still went (carrying some guilt).
My coworker started washing dishes by hand thinking it was greener but many argue a dishwasher is more efficient.
My only advice would be not to get stressed out about it. Becoming more aware, or more mindful, is a journey. You make the best decision you can with the information you have. When you learn more, you adapt accordingly and pass the word along. We'll never be perfect, but we can always strive to learn more, continuously reducing our impact on the Earth.
You're doing just fine, just never give up the journey.
I agree with Heather. Often, there aren't perfect answers, although we'd like there to be. I haven't found the perfect cat litter solution. I also haven't found the perfect dairy solution (other than giving up dairy, which I'm not prepared to do.) We do the best we can. Think how many folks there are who aren't considering the environment at all in their purchasing decisions. We need to do what we can and then help others to see that they have choices.
I just found your blog through your comments at SGF. I was going to ask you which documentaries you found on Netflix but saw that you mentioned quite a few in your prior post. I really like Netflix but was a little disappointed that they don't have a better search option to help me find stuff like that. Thanks for the ideas!
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