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 To provide the consumer with truthful and transparent information about what they buy, the MarViva Foundation reveals the real impact of plastics advertised as biodegradable on the environment - Illustrative photo -  |
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Published
Friday, May 28, 2021
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff To provide the consumer with truthful and transparent information about what they buy, the MarViva Foundation reveals the real impact of plastics advertised as biodegradable on the environment. Some plastic-packed products, which are labeled "biodegradable" or "compostable" cannot actually degrade effectively in natural or home composting conditions. They have similar negative effects as other plastics in the oceans, and even some others not yet known to science, according to a study made by the Center for Research in Natural Products of the University of Costa Rica, Ciprona. According to the MarViva Foundation, some plastic products such as straws, bags, plates and glasses, are advertised as "biodegradable," but these can only be effectively degraded in laboratories or specialized facilities that simulate specific conditions of temperature, acidity, humidity and oxygen. In addition, a specific combination of atmospheric variables required for each type of material that is not found in the environment must be generated. MarViva raises awareness in plastic industry manufacturers companies so they must be clearer in the labeling of their products and specify what the requirements are for their degradation. "Plastics that have been positioned as environmentally friendly alternatives, by being commercially advertised as biodegradable and compostable, have gained ground in consumer preference because we believe that we are helping and reducing the impact on the environment," Alberto Quesada, Pollution Coordinator Marina of the Foundation said. According to Quesada, these plastics reach effective degradation in very specific environmental conditions, many of them only possible in industrial facilities, so that the current labeling, far from informing, comes to confuse and in some cases, even induces the error. Data from the United Nations show that of the 550 tons of plastic that Costa Rica discards every day, 80%, an equivalent to 440 tons, reaches the sea, the Foundation said in its statement. "Unfortunately, more than 800 species of marine animals such as turtles, cetaceans and birds are directly affected by these wastes," the Foundation said.  In Sept. 2020, it was banned the use of plastic in Protected Wild Areas of the country. The Ministry of Environment issued a guideline that bans the consumption, use and entry of plastics in National Parks and Biological Reserves. It also specifies that the Conservation Areas will increase actions in the management of solid waste in their facilities. The prohibition includes materials such as plastic stirrers, straws, forks, spoons and knives, disposable cups, fast food containers, plastic tableware, non-reusable plastic bags, disposable plastic bottles and wrappers. The rules apply to visitors, researchers, workers and the general public who enter any of the Protected Wild Areas. The park rangers and workers of the protected areas will be in charge of ensuring compliance with this guideline, for which they must warn visitors of this prohibition and if they do not comply with the regulation, products packed or manufactured with plastic may be confiscated. "Plastic pollution has increased tenfold since 1980, which has affected different ecosystems," said Pamela Castillo, deputy minister. According to data provided by the Ministry of Health, in 2018 the country generated 1,462,397 tons of waste of which 4.2% was recovered in recycling, composting and co-processing. An 88.6% was disposed of in sanitary landfills and landfills, and 7.2% went to another final disposal site. -------------------------- How could the results of this research help to identify true biodegradable plastics? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com            
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