Go Greener

What type of plastic bag do you use?

Do you know what the difference between a biodegradable bag and a compostable bag is? Did you even know that there is a difference between the two? Well, there is a difference, and it is VERY big. A bag, container, or other piece of plastic labelled “biodegradable” has additives that make it break down over a long time into microplastics. These microplastics are even harder to clean up, as the particles are tiny (less than 5mm) and easy for animals to consume. Anything “biodegradable” should go in the red council bin, even though it claims to be environmentally friendly. However, compostable plastics are made mostly of water, carbon dioxide and biomass, making it able to fully become compost in limited time. Compostable plastics go in the green council bin. In an experiment spanning 22 days, a compostable and biodegradable bag were left on a patch of soil. At the end of the 3 weeks, the compostable bag had mostly become compost, and the biodegradable bag was still sitting fully on the soil. I hope that next time you find a biodegradable bag you put it in the correct bin!

Perri Lawrence
Primary Enviro Girls

Reminder about Environmental Day activities for next week

• Monday June 7 – wear a green ribbon and for a gold coin donation bring your keepcup for hot chocolate at recess (Primary) and lunch (Secondary).
• Tuesday June 8 – All staff and students are welcome to go on a tour of our sustainable facilities from the top of the OG building to the JF carpark. Email suezipfinger@sceggs.nsw.edu.au if you would like to attend.
• Wednesday June 9 – come to our fabulous eco fair on the lawn at lunchtime. Items for purchase include bright coloured bamboo toothbrushes, reusable makeup pads, plastic free hair ties, shampoo and conditioner bars, metal straws and bamboo cotton buds.

Maailma Environment Committee