The Shocking Truth About Compostable Bags: Why They Aren’t Composting as Expected

This week, we’re diving into two topics. First, we’ll explore the market for compostable products in San Diego. Then we’ll hear from Joe LaCava, the new San Diego City Council President, on his plans and priorities.

Recently, a plastic bag company called Crown Poly updated their certification for producing compostable bags. A few months back, I reported that they lacked valid certifications for these bags, which are often found in grocery stores like Trader Joe’s. They claimed their bags were compostable in both backyard and commercial composting. However, it turns out they had to get reassessed because of changes in the bag’s thickness and materials.

The raw materials for these bags come from an Italian company, Mater-Bi, which makes bioplastics using starches, cellulose, and vegetable oils. TÜV AUSTRIA, the certifying body, already approves these materials, mainly checking if they can break down properly.

Jennifer Brandon, a plastic expert, emphasizes the distinction between “compostable” and “biodegradable.” Compostable items can break down in specific settings, while biodegradable products easily break down into natural elements without any assistance. Both processes need to take place for an item to decompose completely.

According to Crown Poly, their bags should break down in less than 180 days in a composting environment. For context, an apple core takes about 90 days to decompose. In contrast, traditional plastics made from fossil fuels almost never fully break down; they only fragment into tiny pieces known as microplastics.

Crown Poly claims its bags are made from 100% vegetable starches, and their certification supports this statement. However, the details surrounding composting certification can be vague. Often, studies proving that these materials break down well are kept private by companies, making transparency a challenge.

Despite the certification, remember that San Diego does not accept Crown Poly bags or any items labeled as “compostable” or “biodegradable” in their green bins. The local waste haulers, including Republic Services and Waste Management, do not process these products, as they can contaminate the compost and lower its quality.

LaCava’s Commitment to Environmental Issues

Joe LaCava has been an influential figure in environmental matters in San Diego. As chair of the San Diego Community Power, he has helped secure over $7.3 billion in long-term contracts for renewable energy. This initiative aims to compete with San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) by offering lower rates and promoting clean energy sources.

LaCava has also supported efforts to restore Mission Bay’s last native saltmarsh area and has worked with various community organizations on this project. In the past, he took measures to ban wood-burning bonfires on city beaches to address air quality issues.

Moving forward, LaCava plans to remain active in the San Diego Community Power Board while leading efforts to prepare the city for a negotiation with SDG&E. With a franchise agreement up for renewal in 2031, he believes it’s important for councilmembers to keep oversight on the issue.

Newly appointed Environment Committee chair, Sean Elo-Rivera, aims to align the city’s projects with its Climate Action Plan, despite facing a significant budget deficit. He has introduced regulations that require city departments to consider climate goals in their operations.

Other Highlights

• LaCava wants to put an end to the summer fireworks at SeaWorld, which have been linked to bird deaths in the area.
• Recent wildfires in California have affected various regions, but San Diego managed to avoid significant incidents this time, though high winds raised concerns.
• A legal effort by advocacy groups in Imperial Valley against lithium extraction companies did not succeed, highlighting ongoing environmental challenges.
• The San Diego Natural History Museum has launched a new resource called “Nature Buds” to enhance outdoor education for schools and families.

Source link

environment report