By Jennifer Knoch

Most Karma members understand we have a massive plastic problem. Chances are you’ve also been at some sort of event where you’ve been handed a plastic cup and been reassured “It’s compostable!” so you can envision it dissolving like Alka-Seltzer in the ocean, instead of living lodged in a turtle’s gullet for the rest of that creature’s (now-shorter) life. But was it really greener?

I’m sorry to say . . . probably not.

Let’s dig into why bioplastics probably aren’t the panacea we’re looking for. At least not yet.

Reason 1: More Expensive for a Lesser Product

What is bioplastic? Instead of being made of oil, bioplastic is usually made of corn or sugarcane (a plant plastic called PHA) or algae (PLA). PLA is less common, since it’s 20 to 50 percent more expensive. These materials mimic some of the qualities we like in plastic (light, mouldable, strong without being brittle), though they’re not quite as good as liquid dinosaur. So we’re dealing with the “more expensive for a lesser product” conundrum common to eco experience.

Reason 2: Potentially a Poor Use of Land

Should we be using more agricultural land to grow single-use plastic? Though in wealthy countries we don’t yet have food shortages, we already use our land inefficiently because so much of it goes to feed animals: it takes 160 times more land to grow cows compared to potatoes, wheat, or rice. We also know that industrial agriculture is water-intensive and uses a lot of pesticides and herbicides, which pollute waterways, destroy biodiversity, and endanger agricultural workers. Some companies produce their bioplastic from agricultural waste products, which at least mitigates the land-use problem.

Reason 3: Not all Bioplastics are Created Equal

After the bioplastic is made, there are yet more hurdles. First: the lack of standards. In Canada, that compostable designation is unregulated, so really anyone can claim anything. And that’s a big issue because all “compostables” are not created equal, and not all break down in the same way. Some need the careful controls and high heat of an industrial facility. Oxo-degradable products need oxygen and UV light, which is good for an American Beauty plastic bag blowing in the breeze but not for one sitting in a landfill or even in a compost pile. In this clip, CBC’s Marketplace shows a nice A/B comparison of certain products breaking down — or not. There is hope here, including a new type embedded with a self-destruct switch, but right now most bioplastics are almost as long-lasting as their oil-based brethren.

Reason 4: They Get Into the Wrong Waste Stream

Getting this plant-based plastic into the proper waste stream in the first place is challenging. One reason bioplastics are appealing is that they look a lot like regular plastic, so it would be understandable if someone chucked them in with the other (theoretically) recyclable plastics. But mixing that plant-based plastic in with the petroleum plastic makes the whole lot unrecyclable. Okay, but what if it goes in with the compost? Well, that’s a problem too, because most municipal programs don’t actually accept compostable plastic. In fact, at composting facilities in Toronto, and in most municipalities, all plastic, including that “compostable” packaging (bin liners, poop bags, etc.), gets spun off and sent to landfill, where eventually it’ll produce methane.

What can we do about it?

Opt for Reusable

Reusable is always better than any kind of fancy plastic, whether compostable or recyclable, and it’s usually not as inconvenient as you’d think. One of the most magical events I ever attended was a fundraiser in the woods where we trick-or-treated at various restaurant-run stands. Everyone brought their own plate, cup, and cutlery or bought inexpensive reusables. Bringing your own place setting, whether to a picnic or a gathering hundreds strong, is something we can normalize (if we haven’t already under COVID). Sometimes, you can simply skip the package all together. Karma’s bulk section is great for this!

Choose Recycled Over Plant-Based

If I had to choose between a plant bottle and a bottle made from 100% recycled PET (#1 plastic), like those by Ice River Springs (or President’s Choice, supplied by Ice River), I’d choose recycled. Let’s encourage manufacturers to divert and reuse the plastic we have: in 2017, Europe recycled 42 percent of plastic packaging; Americans recycled just 8.4 percent.

Put Bioplastics in Their Place

Google your city’s trash-sorting tips and put bioplastics in the right place. It’s probably the trash. And if that makes you feel bad, channel that discomfort into finding a reusable option or talk to the retailer or restaurant.

If you happen to be running an event or gathering (one day!) and have chosen compostable items, use clear signage to make sure people put those items in the right place.

Push for true certifications and clearer communication.

If a company says something is compostable, it should be clear how. Can I put it in my backyard pile? Does it need industrial treatment? This is a governmental responsibility that should really be part of the new plastic ban plan.