The Co-op has been asked if compostable plastic bags are a viable alternative to the standard plastic bags offered in the produce and meat departments. 

For several reasons, compostable bags are not in line with the Co-op’s goals and standards. 

Not compostable at home

Very few if any compostable bags will break down in a backyard composting system. Most require industrial composting equipment, which is not available to Ashland or Medford waste management subscribers. Most brands carry the ASTM D6400 designation, which signifies ‘compostable in municipal and industrial composting facilities’ - facilities which are not available in the Rogue Valley. 

Production practices

Many of the bio-plastics and compostable plastics are made from GMO corn, cultivated with non-organic practices that include pesticides and herbicides. 

Arable land to grow packaging instead of food

Food security is already an issue across the country. Devoting land that could grow healthy foods to create single-use packaging instead is not a trade-off that the Co-op supports.

Durability

These single-use bags are weaker and prone to puncture, leading to less re-use and increasing the demand for a single-use replacement. 

The Co-op will continue to research alternatives as new technologies come to market. Until then, we will encourage behavior change at the consumer level through the promotion of affordable, reusable bags.