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There has been a lot of discussion about the impacts of conventional plastic bags on the environment. But what is the best alternative to using them?

Some time ago, plastic bags took over the national news. The reason: some states planned to take them off the markets. The reasons for this were the environmental impacts that these bags have on the environment – ​​they are generally produced from non-renewable energy sources, such as oil and natural gas, and take around 300 years to decompose. The discussion on this issue has weakened, plastic bags are still in the markets and the impacts they cause on the environment remain the same (see more here).

But if, regardless of the circulation or not of plastic bags, you prefer to store your purchases in an ecological way, we show below some alternatives for plastic bags, ranging from bags produced with the most different materials to a folding wheelbarrow, for you to use in the next time you go shopping.

Oxo-biodegradable bags

Not so sustainable as they are derived from oil. However, they have the advantage of degrading faster in the soil than traditional bags (about eighteen months). But some experts warn that the additive in these bags only breaks the molecules of the plastic material into tiny pieces - the plastic remains there, but in a different shape. Furthermore, these small pieces are composed of other substances, such as paint and pigment residues, which also pollute the environment;

Green plastic bags

Material produced from sugar cane, a renewable raw material. But its disadvantage is that it is not biodegradable, that is, it does not decompose in the environment without harming it (learn more here);

Bioplastic bags

Made from low cost, biodegradable cornstarch. The problem is that they use up to 69% more energy in their production than the common plastic bag. But if the production takes place using renewable energy (there are even studies on the use of eggshell to produce this type of bag - see here), it can be considered a good option to replace conventional plastic bags;

Recycled

Bags made from recycled material, ranging from plastic material to milk cartons, are also a great option for reusing materials, despite not being biodegradable. The advantage is that they are not disposable;

folding wheelbarrow

The advantage of this product is that it is resistant (usually made of microfiber and aluminum frame), practical and makes it easy to carry the heaviest purchases. In addition, there are options for folding wheelbarrows in various sizes, allowing you to buy according to your needs, and with different colors and prints;

Returnable bags (ecobags): The advantage is that they are resistant, practical and modern. But prefer models made from materials that do not harm the environment and that consume little energy in production.

And if you chose one of the options above, be aware that you need to take some precautions to keep your bag or cart away from harmful bacteria (see here).