The Disappearing Act: An Update

I have exciting news on the degradable bag front. But first, I want to catch everyone up with the experiment – in case you missed the first post.

A few months ago (much to my excitement), we added degradable supply bags to our product line. These bags are supposed to degrade after approximately one year.  The plastic will become brittle and quickly disintegrate into brittle flakes.  So, being a skeptic, I’m testing three samples of these bags to see if this will really happen:

• Bag 1 is at my desk.
• Bag 2 is being used periodically.
• Bag 3 is on the roof of our building weathering the elements.  This post will also catch you up to the real time of the experiment.  Due to the launch date of the blog, we are actually four months into this experiment. 

Now the exciting update!

Bag 1 is still in great condition. The plastic is still sturdy and there are no holes.

Bag 2 has been carried around and has been hanging on a hook with samples in it for the last four months. The plastic is a little crinkled from having things in it, but that is normal for any plastic bag. Another thing to note is the handles on this bag they are holding up fantastically. Despite being used, I would say this bag is still par for the course.

I am happy to report that Bag 3 is no longer a foot deep in snow. However, the past three months have still given the bag a run for its money. It has seen some very tumultuous weather – a lot of rain, wind, tornado warnings, and even hail. This bag is no longer usable. The handles ripped as soon as I tried to pick it up and the plastic has also gotten very thin.

I think the bag on the roof is going to degrade sooner than the year mark and I think the other two bags will begin the degradation process as planned.

This makes me really happy because with regular usage of these bags you get the bargain you planned for – a reliable plastic bag that will last for a year and then disintegrate. However, if the bag is thrown away or in a landfill sooner than this, it will disappear sooner than later! It’s the perfect combo.

I would love to hear your predictions of what will happen to these bags. Post a comment if you would like to share.

-Mary

This is the second post in an ongoing series of posts. Check back monthly for updates on our very own “Disappearing Act“.

     Have you ever purchased degradable bags?