Get compostable bags into green conversation

The Chicago ban on plastic bags, implemented Aug. 1, has generated discussion on how consumers and companies trying to conduct business can respect the ban's intent to reduce waste and yet fully address needs of consumers, businesses and the environment. Many of Chicago's suburbs are also grappling with these issues.

Some retailers use heavier plastic bags as replacements for lighter-gauge plastic bags banned by law, but this hardly respects the spirit or the letter of the law. Others choose reusable paper or cloth bags brought to the store. These choices are worthwhile but not practical for all consumers in all situations.

One practical solution meets consumer need and standards for sustainability and practicality: compostable bags. They're currently used in retail and commercial activities in Europe, Australia and China. They are grown from corn and other organic sources - and offer competitive strength, form, re-usability and function in comparison with conventional plastic bags.

Retailers can get compostable bags right here in Chicago.

Compostable bags biodegrade in a short period of time when properly processed. Compostable bags are therefore an important alternative to consider for retailers and distributors seeking a practical yet sustainable solution for use in commercial and internal business channels.

Yet in order to create a full cradle-to-cradle waste stream, it remains for the city of Chicago and its suburbs to open conversation about the beneficial practices of using compostable bags as a method for redirecting organic waste.

The United States Composting Council reports that more than 245.7 million tons of municipal solid wastes are generated each year in the United States. That's 4.5 pounds per person per day. Organic materials - composed of yard trimmings, food scraps, wood waste, paper and paperboard products - make up the largest component of our trash, comprising about two-thirds of the solid waste stream.

Consider that organic waste such as food scraps constitutes 45 to 50 percent of our daily household garbage, and 65 to 75 percent of the type of waste created by restaurants. If a typical household generates just three pounds of organic waste per day, it means that 1,095 pounds of organic waste per household is going to landfills annually.

Multiply that by 1,000 households and 1,095,000 pounds of organic waste is going to landfills. All of that can be composted and turned into soil useful in gardening and agriculture.

The facilities and systems need to accomplish these goals are already in place. This method of directing organic waste away from landfills by using compostable bags is a "connect the dots" moment for our society as a whole.

In concert with a growing number of composting facility sites in the greater Chicago area and suburbs, compostable bags hold potential to cut down the "wastefulness of waste" currently taking place across the country.

It suits the interests of all parties to go beyond mere recycling of bags by putting commercially available compostable bags to use in reprocessing the massive volumes of organic waste produced by our society.

Taking these steps also cuts down on the amount of methane gases and tainted water produced by landfilling organic wastes. These threats to our atmosphere and water supplies are preventable, and every village, city or town in America needs to play a part in this sustainable solution.

Compostable bags are cost-effective compared to other commercially available bags, meet consumer need, avoid environmental damage and align with objectives of the city of Chicago and suburbs in a solution that meets everyone's needs.

The time for action in support of the compostable solution is now.

Camilo Ferro is managing partner for Renew Packaging, Chicago.