Trash has a life beyond our bins. That milk carton or takeaway box you chucked last week? It might be out of the can, but it’s not out of the picture.
Instead, our rubbish most often languishes in a landfill for centuries as the plastic remnants stubbornly resist decay. Worse still, some plastics escape into our oceans, where they can be mistaken for food by unsuspecting sea creatures. Sometimes garbage hitches a ride on the wind, scattering microplastics across ecosystems the planet depends on.
Yucky? You bet. That’s why we think it's time to rethink our relationship with waste — starting with the bags we put it in.
Let's explore some eco-friendly trash bag options that can clean up without leaving a dirty legacy behind.
Are there any environmentally friendly options for garbage bags?
Traditional plastic garbage bags are a mess — clogging landfills, polluting oceans, harming wildlife and generally adding to our environmental crisis. Imagine 2,000 garbage trucks overflowing with plastic — that's how much pollutes our waterways daily, per the United Nations Environment Program.
Luckily, there are plenty of kinder options ready to step in and save the day, offering eco-friendly alternatives without compromising functionality. That’s right — it’s time to bin the old myths for good. Eco-friendly rubbish bags have come a long way and are every bit as strong as traditional ones.
1. Reusable bags
Think of reusable trash bags as the MVPs of waste management. These sturdy sacks keep countless single use plastic bags out of the picture. Made from durable, washable materials like canvas or nylon, they’re built to last, with bonus features like odour resistant coatings and secure drawstring closures.
2. Plant-based bags
Plant based bags, crafted from renewable resources like cornstarch, sugarcane or potato starch, offer a biodegradable alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastic bags.
They come in various sizes and strengths to accommodate different waste disposal needs and are built to break down naturally over time.
3. Compostable or biodegradable trash bags
Compostable and biodegradable trash bags are designed to decompose under specific conditions.
Perfect for food scraps and yard trimmings, compostables turn into nutrient-rich compost in commercial facilities. (Pro tip: most home compost piles don’t reach hot enough temperatures for decay, so save them for the professionals).
4. Recycled trash bags
Made from post-consumer recycled plastic, recycled trash bags give new life to existing materials and reduce the demand for virgin plastic production.
Some companies are finding even more creative ways to reuse, using recycled ocean bound plastic and fishing nets to make eco-friendly trash bags. It's a small but mighty way to help close the loop on waste.
5. DIY garbage bags
Feeling crafty? Turn old newspapers or fabric scraps into DIY trash bags. It’s a great way to cut down on waste, entertain the kids, and score some serious eco-cred.
6. Linerless disposal
Sometimes, the best bag is no bag at all. Going linerless is a great way to reduce waste even further, especially for your compost or recycling bin.
Just be sure to think through hygiene concerns, as well as whether local regulations allow it.
7. Oxo-biodegradable bags
Oxo-biodegradable bags contain additives that speed up disintegration in the presence of oxygen. While they decompose faster than traditional plastic bags, the jury is still out on their environmental impact, as they might leave behind microplastics.
8. Water-soluble bags
Water-soluble bags, designed to dissolve in water, are primarily used for specific applications like hospital waste disposal. Though not ideal for everyday household use, they’re a clever solution for specialised waste streams.
9. Lawn and leaf bags
Don’t let autumn leaves go to waste. Consider compostable or biodegradable lawn and leaf bags for all those lawn and garden clippings. These bags specifically break down along with their organic contents, giving your garden a head start with next season’s compost.
Conclusion: Trash smarter, live greener
It’s time to rethink your rubbish. With a few small changes now, we can help turn today’s trash into a brighter, cleaner tomorrow.
Whether you opt for reusable, plant based, compostable, or recycled bags, you’re taking steps to reduce your carbon footprint. Eco-friendly garbage bags come in all shapes and sizes — the key is choosing the right fit for your rubbish and the planet.
A sustainable future starts with small, mindful choices — like reducing waste before it starts. Because no one wants their trash to outlive them.
As informed consumers, you have the power to make a difference with every purchase.
Are you ready to take the next step in your eco-journey? Check out our range of sustainable bamboo toilet paper and other planet friendly products.