Earth Bags Australia launched a new stylish, ethical bag yesterday, that’s destined to change the face of reusable products in Australia.
Sustainable and free from chemical toxins, Earth Bags are different to the standard ‘green’ polypropylene bags. While they are are strong, robust and practical like their older counter-part, they have a very important difference – they are one hundred per cent biodegradable.
Commenting on the significance of the new Earth Bags, is Earth Bags Australia Director Reg Ferguson.
“There are millions of reusable bags currently in use in Australia. I don’t think people are aware that the majority of these bags contain lead and petroleum products and are as harmful to the environment as plastic bags,” Mr Ferguson said.
“After years of extensive research and planning, we’re thrilled to be bringing the Earth Bag to market. To mark the occasion, we have sent out a hundred limited edition Earth Bags to a select number of people here in Australia so hopefully people will start to see the Bags out and about soon.”
Developed in Western Australia, Earth Bags can be used for up to two years and are scientifically proven to become compost 45 days after disposal without any negative impact to the environment (1).
“We at Earth Bags Australia felt that a more environmentally friendly bag that consumers and businesses can use was required. We are confident that we’ve developed a market first, which has been supported by research from Murdoch University in WA,” he added.
Earth Bags produce approximately 20 per cent less carbon emissions during manufacture and disposal than polypropylene bags (2). Commenting on the environmental claims made about the Earth Bag, Dr Martin Anda from Murdoch University’s School of Environmental Science said,
“We investigated whether the much used green bags, are less environmentally friendly than Earth Bags. Our research demonstrated that Earth Bags biodegrade completely in a composting environment after 45 days, whereas there was no noted difference in the appearance of the green bag after enduring the same environmental controls,” Dr Anda said.
“Our research also showed that Earth Bags contribute to the organic content of the soil once it has biodegraded. This again reinforces the environmental benefits of the Earth Bag versus green bags,” Dr Anda said.
Earth Bags are made entirely from paper sourced from sustainable forests and spun using a complex weaving process, recycled water and a natural beeswax coating that solidifies the paper into the long-lasting Earth Bag.
“Perfecting the production process was an arduous task but one that was important to Earth Bags Australia in illustrating our commitment to sustainable environmental solutions,” said Mr Ferguson.
Versatile and practical – Earth Bags are available in a variety of styles and designs which can be tailor-made for the general public and business community.
“The Earth Bag can be used for a range of everyday activities from grocery shopping and hitting the gym. It’s also rather stylish so will hopefully set a new trend amongst environmentally conscious Australians,” Mr Ferguson added.
To purchase your own planet friendly bag or learn more visit Earth Bags Australia.
References: (1) Dr Nair, J. and Dr Anda, M. 2010. Biodegradability of ‘Earth Bag, an Alternative to Non Degradable ‘Green Bags’. School of Environmental Sciences, Murdoch University, Western Australia. November 2010. (2) Dr Anda, M., Goodfield, D., et al. 2010. Carbon Footprint Analysis of a Retail Paper Shopping Bag: The Earth Bag. School of Environmental Sciences, Murdoch University, Western Australia. July 2010.
