These eco-friendly alternatives to plastic bags are made from cassava, a root vegetable native to South America that is also known as yuca or manioc. But why are cassava bags suddenly so popular, and why are businesses making the switch? Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of cassava bags and how they are helping to reduce plastic waste.
First, let’s talk about the environmental impact of plastic bags. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, middle east countries alone use over 380 billion plastic bags, sacks, and wraps each year, which amounts to over 100 billion pounds of plastic. This plastic ends up in landfills, where it can take hundreds of years to break down, or in our oceans, where it poses a threat to marine life. In fact, a report from the World Wildlife Fund estimates that there are over 150 million metric tons of plastic in our oceans, and this number is expected to increase by an additional 10 million metric tons each year.
Cassava on the other hand is a sustainable and renewable resource, as it grows quickly and requires very little water to thrive. Additionally, cassava can be grown in a variety of climates, making it a viable alternative to traditional plastic bags in many parts of the world. The production of cassava bags also has a smaller carbon footprint compared to plastic bags, as it requires less energy to process and manufacture.
Despite the environmental benefits of cassava bags, some people may harbour doubts about their quality compared to traditional plastic bags. However, it has been found that cassava bags are just as effective as any other plastic bag in terms of their function and durability. In other words, cassava bags offer a sustainable alternative to plastic without sacrificing performance.
However, there are several key differences between cassava bags and plastic bags that make cassava bags a superior choice. For one, cassava bags are more environmentally friendly than plastic bags. Secondly, Cassava is a fast-growing plant that can be harvested multiple times a year, making it a more sustainable and renewable resource compared to oil, which is used to make plastic bags.
