Thursday, June 2, 2011

Biodegradable Products Are Greenhouse Gas Polluters

Once thrown out, biodegradable products — everything from trash bags and diaper liners to pens — are designed to break down relatively quickly and disappear into the natural environment. But these products may not live up to their green image, new research indicates.

"The implication is, it's biodegradable, therefore, it's better for the environment — and our point is: Well, not necessarily and not so fast," said study researcher Morton Barlaz, who heads North Carolina State University’s Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering.

Biodegradable products release a potent greenhouse gas, methane, as they break down in landfills, a problem aggravated by the relatively rapid rate at which they decompose.

Source: LiveScience

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