Did you know that every year, an estimated 20 million metric tons of plastic end up in our oceans and landfills? This is not the main problem though! The problem is that they stick around for hundreds, even thousands (1000+), of years.
Plastic is everywhere. We use it in packaging, toys, and so many other everyday items. But traditional plastics are made from cellulose, coal, natural gas, salt, and, of course, crude oil, which is a resource that will run out one day.
Even worse, these plastics don’t break down easily. They keep piling up in our environment. And so, pollute our oceans, kill wildlife, and even affect our health.
The good news is that there’s a greener alternative called PLA. PLA is a type of plastic made from plants. It’s biodegradable, which means it can break down over time, and much faster than plastic.
What Are Traditional Plastics?
Traditional plastics are the kinds of plastic we see and use every day. Some common types are polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS). They are used to make things like plastic bags, food containers, and foam packaging.
Source of Materials
Traditional plastics are made from petroleum, which is a type of oil found deep in the Earth. This oil is drilled out, refined, and then turned into plastic.
But here’s the problem! Petroleum is a non-renewable resource and once we use it all up, it’s gone forever. Plus, getting petroleum out of the ground and making plastic requires a lot of energy. It also creates pollution.
We use traditional plastics in almost everything. From the packaging on our food to the toys we buy for our kids, and even in the gadgets we use every day.
These plastics are popular because they’re cheap, strong, and can be molded into almost any shape. But because they don’t break down easily, they create a lot of waste that harms our environment.
What is PLA?
PLA is a type of plastic, but it isn't what you might be thinking. Instead of being made from oil, like most plastics, PLA is made from plant starch. Sugarcane, sugarbeet, maize, cassava, or corn pulp are all commonly used.
PLA is therefore a thermoplastic that degrades biodegradably. In other words, it can decompose naturally over time.
The process of making PLA starts with corn and beetroot. These plants are harvested and then go through a process called fermentation. During fermentation, the sugars in the plants are converted into lactic acid. This lactic acid is then turned into long chains of molecules, which create PLA.
PLA is a renewable resource since it is made from plants, so we can grow more whenever we need it.
Head-to-Head Comparison: Traditional Plastics vs. PLA
Let's look at how these 2 types compare in terms of eco-friendliness.
1. What They Are Made Of
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Traditional Plastics: These are made from petroleum, a fossil fuel. This means they come from non-renewable resources, which can run out over time.
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PLA (Polylactic Acid): PLA is made from natural materials like corn, sugarcane, or other plants. This makes it a renewable resource, so we can grow more of it.
2. Biodegradability
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Traditional Plastics: These plastics take hundreds of years to break down. They can stay in the environment for a very long time. They cause pollution and harm animals.
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PLA: PLA is biodegradable, meaning it can break down more easily. Under the right conditions, like in a composting facility, PLA can take just a few months to decompose.
3. Impact on Landfills
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Traditional Plastics: Since traditional plastics don’t break down easily, they fill up landfills and take up space for a long time.
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PLA: If composted properly, PLA doesn’t have to go to landfills. It can turn into compost, which is good for the soil.
4. Recycling
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Traditional Plastics: These can be recycled, but the process isn’t perfect. Not all plastics get recycled, and the process uses energy and can create pollution.
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PLA: PLA can also be recycled, but it needs a special process. If it’s mixed with regular plastic recycling, it can cause problems. So, it needs to be separated and handled correctly.
5. Energy Use
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Traditional Plastics: Making traditional plastics uses a lot of energy. This involves extracting and refining petroleum.
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PLA: Making PLA uses less energy because it comes from plants. However, growing these plants also requires energy, water, and land.
6. Carbon Footprint
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Traditional Plastics: The process of making traditional plastics releases a lot of carbon dioxide (CO2). It's a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.
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PLA: PLA has a lower carbon footprint. Since it’s made from plants, it absorbs CO2 as it grows, which helps offset some of the emissions.
7. Toxicity
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Traditional Plastics: Some traditional plastics can release harmful chemicals, especially when burned or broken down over time.
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PLA: PLA is generally considered safer and less toxic. However, if it’s not composted properly, it might not be as eco-friendly as people think.
8. Usage and Strength
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Traditional Plastics: These plastics are strong, durable, and can be used for many different things, from packaging to toys.
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PLA: PLA is also strong but not as durable as traditional plastics. It’s best used for items that don’t need to last a long time.
Conclusion
Thank you for taking the time to learn about PLA. We hope this information helps you make more informed choices that are better for our planet.
We encourage you to choose PLA products whenever you can. By supporting eco-friendly practices, you’re not just buying a product—you’re making a positive impact on the environment. Every little bit helps!
Let’s work together to protect this planet!