Finally, I’m happy to say, there is an answer, to the trash bag problem in landfills.  I received some samples last week, of the new EconoGreen, line of garbage bags, that are now available at Home Depot stores, nationwide.

Press Release

I have tired the tall kitchen bags, and the Large (33 gal.) Trash bags.  They are sturdy, with no leakage, rips or tares.  The only thing missing, is a drawstring.  But, that is not enough to keep me form buying more.

So, What makes these bags different from any others?

EconoGreen Plastics, offers a complete range of bags and drop cloths, made from 100% recycled plastics that are oxodegradable and recyclable. Just this fact, makes them a leader in the industry.  Plus, they are as strong as standard plastic bags, and they’re priced in the same range.   The tall kitchen bags are $4.99 for  a package of 30, and the Large Trash bags are $6.99 for a package of 20.

EconoGreen plastic bags and drop cloths, also contain a complex additive that makes them 100% oxodegradable in an open environment.  So, what does this mean?

When exposed to enough oxygen, the additive accelerates the degradation process by breaking down the carbon-carbon bonds in the plastic, and reducing the overall strength and molecular weight of the plastic. The degradation is initiated by oxygen, natural daylight and/or heat, and eventually erodes with the help of weather.   Engineered to be oxodegradable,  EconoGreen Plastics™ are as strong, tough and flexible as comparable plastic bags.

Oxodegradation, involves the addition of an additive into the EconoGreen Plastics™ formula, that helps accelerate the decomposition of the plastic, over time when it is exposed to oxygen. This allows naturally occurring elements to break down the plastic into simple organic compounds.  In the end, the process leaves behind no residue or harmful toxins that can damage the environment.

The degraded bag or drop cloth then becomes a nutrient for microbes, which eat the broken down plastic molecules, reducing what was once plastic to water, carbon dioxide, and biomass. This procedure leaves behind more biomass than carbon dioxide.  Biomass,  is reusable energy.

It is important to note that EconoGreen Plastics™ products will not degrade in static landfills, that isolate garbage from groundwater and air. Then again, there isn’t much that will decompose under those conditions, even organic trash like apples.  What’s nice to know is their plastic products will degrade where it matters (i.e., in nature), which means it won’t harm animals that mistake plastic bags for food.

In early 2009, Jig-A-Loo® continued its product line expansion with EconoGreen Plastics™ and Jig-A-Clean™ waterless hand cleaner. Jig-A-Loo® products can be purchased at Target stores, Wal-mart, Advanced Auto Parts, PepBoys, Ace Hardware, The Home Depot and participating independent hardware retailers nationwide. Staying true to its company vision, Jig-A-World continues to introduce innovative products that help simplify a little part of everyday life.

“With EconoGreen Plastics™ now available at The Home Depot stores, environmentally conscious consumers across the U.S. have easier access to our complete line of plastic bags,” said Cindy Sutton, vice president, Jig-A-Loo USA, Inc. “Now consumers have an affordable option for green bags, that they can use throughout their home without paying a premium or sacrificing quality.”

I like the fact that these bags are tough and sturdy, and will break down over a relatively short (2 year) period of time.  Most of the tons of trash bags, that are already clogging our landfills, take  hundreds of years, and most likely will never decompose.

So, EconoGreen has found the answer, and the right price to help our wallets, and the environment.  Their products are certified to help you know you are making the right choice.

Get something cute as a bug, at Barbara’s Ladybug!