The Truth About Garment Bags

29 Jul.,2024

 

The Truth About Garment Bags


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You have made a significant investment in your wardrobe throughout the years, so it makes sense that you would want to safely protect and store your favourite dresses, suits, leather or wool jackets, right?

Many of us overlook the importance of protecting our garments against environmental elements, and it can cause severe irreparable damage. People are also unaware that the type of garment bag they are using may even be causing the damage, particularly plastic garment bags and cheap non woven bags.

Our clothes need ongoing care and protection against pesky insects (especially moths), dirt, dust, mould, moisture, sunlight and humidity. These are all priority concerns when storing your garments for long periods or until the next season.

What you need to know when choosing the right garment bag.

SAY NO TO PLASTIC BAGS AND NON WOVEN FABRICS

 

We repeat: Say NO to plastic and non-woven bags! These are the most common types of garment bags. They're cheap and usually manufactured from plastic (PEVA - a material that is most commonly used in shower curtains) or non-woven fabrics, similar to the material that was used to make supermarket bags. 

It is important that you completely avoid these types of garment bags, especially when storing your garments in summer or warm and humid climates. These bags can cause severe and irreversible damage such as mould build-up, particularly to your suede and leather jackets. See picture below. 

Plastic and non-woven bags also cause fading and discolouration (yellowing) in cotton, silk, embellished pieces, wedding gowns and other delicate fabrics, especially when stored long term.

The reason is that clothes need fresh air to rejuvenate and nourish your garments fabric fibres. It's basically like "freshening them up". When using these types of garment bags, NO fresh air can comfortably circulate in and around your garments and wardrobe, particularly in cramped spaces, or spaces that lack fresh airflow. 

 

 

Plastic and non woven garment bags are ineffective and can impair, ruin and deteriorate your garments, particularly if you are storing your garments for twelve months, or extended periods.

 

 

Furthermore, when plastic and non-woven garment bags are stored long term, you'll find they tend to crumble, fall apart or disintegrate into a million pieces (I know this from experience). The undetected openings and small entry points allow dirt, dust, moths, and other critters to subliminally enter the bag you had 'protected' your garments in and cause further unsuspecting damage. Ouch! 

 

 

PLASTIC DRY CLEANING BAGS ARE ALSO A NO-NO!

Dry cleaning plastic bags should NEVER be used to store your wears! 

It is so easy with our busy lives to place our freshly pressed garments straight into our wardrobe and not think twice about it until next season.

 

These bags are not purposed for storage or for protecting your garments long term.

The only purpose for these bags is to safely transport your freshly dry cleaned clothes from the shop to your home. That is it!  

Using plastic dry cleaning bags to 'protect' your garments, can also cause garment yellowing and fading when stored long term.

 

Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), is a chemical anti-oxidant found in some plastic dry cleaning bags. When BHT comes into contact with impurities in the air and moisture, it forms a yellow pigment that transfers to the fabric, causing those unsightly yellow spots. No one wants that!

(BHT can also be found in food, cosmetics, and jet fuel, as an additive to preserve a product or item, when, in fact, it can be detrimental in more ways than one.) 

Plastic dry cleaning bags are not only bad for the environment, they also don't allow sufficient air to flow in and around your garments. The plastic  bag 'sweats' and traps in the moisture (especially in humid conditions), and, if left for extended periods it can also cause staining, discolouration, mould (mould is a symptom of too much moisture), mildew growth, weakening of the fibres and yellow spots can form, especially on delicate fabrics and when exposed to excessive sunlight. Sometimes you only notice these yellow spots when you get ready to wear the garment only to realise it's too late - the damage has been done! 

PRO TIP | I encourage you to check your wardrobe, walk-in-robes, and storage spaces to see if you have unknowingly stored your items for months on end, or even years, in those harmful plastic dry cleaning bags. Then kindly remove (your choice), and dispose of thoughtfully. 

Instead, storing your garments in a natural fabric, such as 100% cotton garment covers, are guaranteed to safeguard your garments and promote their longevity, particularly for long term storage. More on this below. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AVOID PESKY INSECTS AND MOTH DAMAGE

Let's talk about moths.

Clothes moths tend to B-line towards warmer climates and dark spaces and wardrobes. 

Did you know that it is the moth larvae that feed off the keratin in your garments? 

 

Keratin is a protein found in natural fibres that we get from animals. Animal based fabrics include, wool, cashmere, angora, leather, silk, furs and human matter like your skin, hair, and fingernails.  

Note, that it is not the actual moth that causes the damage to your garments. It is the larvae that eat through the animal fabrics causing sometimes irreparable damage, and not the moths themselves.

You'll only notice the damage is done when you find the unwanted and unsightly holes the larvae have caused. Too late! 

Moth larvae will also feed off and burrow into other contaminants left on your clothes such as food crumbs, make-up, deodorant, perfumes, hair, dust, dirt and other particles, particularly when these remnants are nestled into the animal-based fabrics. 

To prevent such damage, please ensure you remove and launder these contaminants from all of your garments, including your dresses, suits, jackets, coats, seasonal items etc. before ANY long term storage. This will minimise damage and promote garment longevity. 

Also, remember to thoroughly dry out your garments before popping them back into your wardrobe or storage space to avoid mould and mildew issues derived from trapped excess moisture and dampness.

HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED MOTH DAMAGE TO YOUR GARMENTS?

I sure did. Although my wool jacket survived, this was the damage caused by moth larvae to my favourite matching wool grey pant suit. The suit was stored in a non-woven garment bag, which crumbled after 12 months, giving access to moths and subsequently their larvae. (Remember, moths love natural animal fabrics.) I did not protect this suit in a fully enclosed cotton garment bag and this was the resulting damage. See picture below. 

It was one night I went to wear these pants for dinner only to find that the moth larvae have had a field day. These wool pants were deemed irreparable and never to be worn again. :( Boohoo!

Has this happened to you? If so, isn't it heartbreaking?  

It is when garments are left unprotected in open wardrobes or storage spaces that gives moths, silverfish, carpet beetles, and vermin the opportunity to wreak havoc on your garments.

We have a solution (Yay!). Ensure your garments are well protected and stored in a fully enclosed cotton garment bag to prevent such damage. More information below.

 

Moth larvae can also feed off clean keratin sources, so remember to keep your garments protected and fully enclosed in 100% cotton garment covers to minimise unwanted damage to your dresses, suits, jackets, coats, and heirloom pieces such as your wedding dress and gowns. 

 

PRO TIP | Ensure you follow the care instructions which you'll find on the inside of your garment to provide the best care for your clothing. A wash down, spot wash, dry clean, and thoroughly airing out your garments before long term storage are helpful measures to prevent moth and moisture damage. 

MOTHS DON'T LIKE COTTON

Surprisingly, moths don&#;t like cotton. Why? Because cotton is a vegetable-based fibre, and it is usually safe from insects, particularly moths and their larvae nesting into the cotton fabric. 

 

THIS IS WHAT WORKS

 

WHY WE LOVE COTTON GARMENT BAGS - And so will your garments!

Cotton is a sustainable, renewable and biodegradable fabric. It is super positive to know that cotton takes up to 3 - 6 months to breakdown, whereas other materials and fabrics, particularly plastic garment bags, can take up to 20 - 200 years, if at all, to breakdown. 

Here's the scoop! Cotton garment bags actually protect your garments from the elements and preserve their longevity. Isn't that awesome!? We think so :)

Once you seal the zip to the end of the Kazzi Kovers Cotton Garment Bag, nothing can get into the garment bag. So your clothing and delicate pieces (wool, cashmere, cotton etc.) are kept safe and protected throughout the seasons. 

Cotton is the natural, safest, eco-friendly alternative to cheap non woven, plastic, peva, nylon and polyester garment bags.

Great for your garments. Great for the environment.

Kazzi Kovers Premium Garment Bags are custom made, fully enclosed and beautifully crafted from 100% Cotton. Also available in black.

 

Cedar Wood Blocks | Rings

For extra care and protection, add FSC® 100% certifiedto repel moths and absorb any odours in your wardrobe or storage space.

CAN WE LOVE COTTON EVEN MORE?

Yes we can. Here's why.

  • Cotton is a versatile and natural fabric. It is lightweight, breathable, hygienic, acid-free, plastic-free and super durable and strong. 

  • Cotton is incredibly nurturing towards natural fabrics

     such as wool, leather, suedes, cotton, silk, lace, all types of furs, embellished and other delicate fabrics, while protecting and maintaining the fabric integrity of your garments.

  • Cotton is also a low maintenance material, making it easy to wash, and it is reasonably quick to dry. Kazzi Kovers garment bags are washable in cold water. How 'cool' is that!? (Yes, pun intended.)

  • Cotton refle

    cts heat in warm climates, and in cooler temperatures it provides insulation

    , giving your garments the extra care they need for seasonal storage.

    Cotton is just PERFECT, even if we do say so ourselves! 

    WE'VE THOUGHT OF EVERYTHING!

    Garment Bag Features 

     

     

     

    Kazzi Kovers 100% Cotton Garment Bags are designed and guaranteed to give your garments the best coverage and care they need, while providing protection from the elements all year round (love that!). 

                                                                                                                           

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    AVAILABLE IN REGULAR AND LARGE SIZES. Kazzi Kovers premium cotton garment bags are purposed and designed to store and safeguard your everyday, occasional, seasonal garments and delicate pieces, including your suits, dresses, jackets, coats, formal attire, wedding dress, kaftans, heirlooms, costumes, sporting gear and more. (See detailed list below.)





    FULLY ENCLOSED. FULL LENGTH, EASY-GLIDE ZIP. You'll also find comfort in knowing that each cotton garment bag is fully enclosed and includes a self healing, full length side zip for easy access. That is, once you fully zip up your Kazzi Kovers garment bag, it makes it virtually impossible for dust and dirt to enter, and it also creates a natural barrier for those nasty insects (especially moths) from entering and piercing your garments. 

    A self healing zip means if the zipper (or zip teeth) were to come apart or misalign, get stuck, or the zip puller was to dislodge from the tracking, you unzip and rezip the garment from end to end to 'heal' and reseal the zip. We love this added feature, as the garment bag is guaranteed to keep your garments secure, fully enclosed and protected at all times.  

    GARMENT BAG HANGER OPENING. The sheer weight of your garments that you are storing will weigh down the cotton garment bag and seal off the slit at the top where your hanger is inserted. The sealed opening will prevent dirt, dust etc, from entering the garment bag and further protects your garments from the elements, including those unwanted crazy critters, dirt and dust etc.

    COTTON LOOP AT THE BOTTOM. We've included a 100% strong cotton loop at the bottom of each bag so you can hang, fold, travel, and store your garment bag for the purpose intended and convenience.

    PRO TIP | Every 6 - 12 months take out your garments including your dresses, suits, jackets, coats etc. Air them out in the fresh air (away from direct sunlight) for 1 - 2 days, especially if you don't wear them all that often. They will love you for it! 

     

     

    STREAMLINE YOUR WARDROBE 

    Take the time to streamline and protect your wardrobe. Organise your garments in such a way that they are safeguarded from the elements, and are easily visible, so that you can access them at arm's reach and enjoy basking in their wearability for years to come.

    Kazzi Kovers stylish and practical 100% Cotton Garment Bags make wardrobe organisation simple and easy. From storing your favourite, seasonal and occasional pieces to preserving heirlooms, vintage pieces, and embellished garments.

    You'll find comfort in knowing that your garments will be well stored and well protected throughout the seasons.

    Taking care of your garments is easy. Always read the care instructions for optimal care and laundering. Avoid using plastic, non woven, nylon and polyester garment covers as these types of garment bags can cause considerable and irreparable damage to your wears when stored long term.

    When it comes to preserving and taking care of your seasonal and treasured pieces, Kazzi Kovers 100% Cotton Garment Bags are simply the safe, sustainable and eco-friendly option for garment storage and longevity. Protecting your garments from the elements will give you a lifetime of wearability and enjoyment of your cherished and seasonal pieces. 

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    Thanks for reading.  

    Remember if you &#;Love it, Cover it!®.&#; 

    Kazzi Kovers® | Updated 17th June

    Maria Kazzi :)

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    Kazzi Kovers takes pride in providing safe and natural alternatives to Protect, Organise, Store and Travel with our range of premium covers and accessories.

    See Kazzi Kovers for our full suite of products, blogs, tips and updates.  

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    Ideal For 

    • Storage and Travel | For all types of fabrics and garments including suits, coats, gowns, dresses, jackets, embellished and delicate pieces.

    • Business Travel | For suits, dresses, coats, jackets, ties.

    • Bride/Groom | Wedding dress, bridesmaid dress, mother-of-the-bride, men's suits and tuxedos. (After your big day, you can store your dress in the Kazzi Kovers Garment Bag to preserve its longevity/heirloom.) 

    • Wedding | Travel with your wedding dress on the big day locally or for your destination wedding. Ideal for bridesmaid dresses, flower girl dress, Mother-of-the-Bride. Grooms and groomsmen. 

    • Delicate and Embellished Garments: Dresses, costumes, heirlooms, one-off pieces, kaftans, saris, jabots, bar/barrister gowns and robes, + more.

    • Fashion Events | For designers, models, and garment protection during transit.

    • Dance | Dance costumes, sequined dresses, leotards, tutus, outfits.

    • Vintage Clothing | Protect your priceless vintage pieces, including dresses, coats, jackets, fabrics and preserve fabric integrity

    • Equestrian and Sporting Attire | For all events. Also, for home and storage purposes.

    • Cruises and Black Tie Events | Our garment bags fold easily in your suit case. Pack and protect your dresses, gowns or suits etc. when travelling.

    • And more.

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    NEW!

    | BLACK & WHITE GARMENT BAGS | 100% Cotton

    Kazzi Kovers Black and White Garment Bags are available in the same packs as our cream coloured garment bags, shown below. 

    Our 100% Cotton Garment Bags are available Individually or as a Combo Set. Please choose the package that best suits your requirements. 

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    For more information, please visit biodegradable garment bags.

    REGULAR GARMENT BAGS

    Size Centimetres: 110 cm (H) x 65 cm (L) x 10 cm (Gusset)   

    Size Inches: 43.3" (H) x 25.5" (L) x 3.9" (Width/Gusset) 

    • Suits | Jackets | Coats | 3/4 Length Coats
    • Dresses | Cocktail | Formal Dresses
    • Embellished | Beaded Garments

    • Delicate and Natural Fibres (leather, wool, silk, lace, suede, fur, velvet)

    • Jabots | Bar Jackets 

    • Seasonal Garments

    • Saris | Kaftans

    • All Types of Costumes
    • Vintage Clothing | Uniforms

    • Heirlooms and More.

       

    * All savings are applied in Australian Dollars (AUD$).

     

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    LARGE (or long) GARMENT BAGS

    Size Centimetres: 165 cm (H) x 65 cm (L) x 10 cm (Width/Gusset)   

    Size Inches: 65" (H) x 25.5" (L) x 3.9" (Width/Gusset) 

    • Long Coats
    • Wedding Dress Formal
    • Cocktail Dresses | Gowns
    • Embellished and Beaded Garments
    • Delicate and Natural Fibres (leather, wool, silk, suede, furs, faux-furs, velvet)
    • Seasonal Garments
    • Bar Gowns | B

      arrister Gowns | Robes
    • Saris | Kaftans
    • All Types of Costumes
    • Vintage Clothing | Uniforms
    • Heirlooms and more. 

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    COMBO GARMENT BAGS

    Kazzi Kovers combo packs offer great value and include a Regular and Large Garment Bag combination to suit your requirements. 

    Perfect for when you need more than just one, and have different size garments you wish to protect. 

    REGULAR Garment Bag

    Size Centimetres: 110 cm (H) x 65 cm (L) x 10 cm (Gusset)   

    Size Inches: 43.3" (H) x 25.5" (L) x 3.9" (Width/Gusset)   

     

    LARGE Garment Bag

    Size Centimetres: 165 cm (H) x 65 cm (L) x 10 cm (Width/Gusset)   

    Size Inches: 65" (H) x 25.5" (L) x 3.9" (Width/Gusset)   

     

     

     

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    GARMENT BAG + EUROPEAN BEECH WOOD HANGER PACKAGE

    If you have a favourite suit or dress or a one-off piece that you wish to protect, or perhaps an heirloom, Kazzi Kovers all-in-one packages are ideal and offer great value when it comes to garment longevity, and providing garment support.  

    Ideal for your occasional, seasonal and one-off pieces such as your suits, dresses, formal and cocktail wear, wedding dress, coats, jackets, costumes, sporting attire, heirlooms and more. 

    Wood Hangers are available in Natural Wood Grain or Walnut colours. 

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    PACKAGE OFFER 1

    |

    REGULAR GARMENT BAG

    Includes 1 x REGULAR Garment Bag + 1 x Wood HANGER

    Kazzi Kovers all-in-one packages are ideal for your occasional, seasonal and one-off pieces. Protect and store your suits, dresses, coats, jackets, pants, skirts, formal attire, costumes and vintage pieces, sporting apparel and more. 

    Choose your GARMENT BAG | Regular Size or Large Size

    Choose your HANGER SIZE | Clothes Hanger, Suit/Dress/Jacket Hanger, or Coat Hanger

    Choose your HANGER COLOUR | Natural Wood Grain or Walnut 

      

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    PACKAGE OFFER 2

    |

    LARGE GARMENT BAG

     

    Includes 1 x LARGE Garment Bag + 1 x Wood HANGER

    Kazzi Kovers all-in-one packages are ideal for your occasional, seasonal and one-off pieces. Protect and store your suits, dresses, coats, jackets, pants, skirts, formal attire, costumes and vintage pieces, sporting apparel and more. 

    Choose your GARMENT BAG | Regular Size or Large Size

    Choose your HANGER SIZE | Clothes Hanger, Suit/Dress/Jacket Hanger, or Coat Hanger

    Choose your HANGER COLOUR | Natural Wood Grain or Walnut 

      

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    YOU MAKE LIKE THESE

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    Pack Your Suitcase &#; 9 Easy Steps

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    Best Biodegradable Trash Bags | The Strategist

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    Photo-Illustration: The Strategist; Photos: Retailers

    Using plastic bags is an ecological disaster; it takes about 1,000 years for one to degrade in a landfill (and even then, it leaves behind microplastics that can add toxins to soil or water). Fortunately, there are biodegradable trash bags. Studies have shown they break down in less than six months &#; a remarkable improvement and a category of products worth your consideration.

    And when you choose the best biodegradable trash bags, there is no need to sacrifice in quality or durability, either. The plant-based trash bags featured here can handle weight, resist punctures, and help collect and transport trash as well as conventional plastic garbage bags. While being biodegradable is naturally the unifying factor here, beyond that we looked for the best biodegradable trash bags for kitchens, for offices or bathrooms, for yard waste, and more.

    But before we talk trash bags, let&#;s talk science for a moment more, because what these bags are made of on a truly compositional level counts. Lyall Mabin, co-founder of sustainable tips site Sustainable Jungle, says it&#;s important to look for bioplastic bags made of plant-based and renewable materials, like corn, grains, sugarcane, starches, and vegetable oils. &#;It&#;s good to know the difference between these biodegradable bags and bags made of petrochemical-based plastic &#; which are usually found in the supermarket and marketed as &#;ecofriendly,&#;&#; Mabin says. &#;These degrade into microplastics faster, so it&#;s really just greenwashing.&#;

    Best overall biodegradable trash bags

    UNNI 100% Compostable Bags

    $20

    Mabin of Sustainable Jungle says these UNNI bags are primarily &#;made of corn and plant starch,&#; and when he tested how quickly one broke down by placing one in a compost pile at his own home, it decomposed far faster than bags from four other brands over the course of a multi-week test in mild weather conditions. At 13 gallons in capacity, these bags are the perfect size for the average kitchen trash can and can also be used in compost bins or compost piles. And at 50 bags for less than $20, they&#;re a great price, too.

    $20

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    $20

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    Best (less-expensive) overall biodegradable trash bags

    Best home compostable trash bags

    HoldOn Large Trash Bags

    $29

    According to Rebecca Gade Sawicki, author and founder of vegan travel site Veggies Abroad, &#;Many consumers don&#;t realize that most compostable bags are only compostable in commercial settings, not your backyard compost pile.&#; That&#;s because the heat and pressure needed to break down these bags quickly is never present in such settings. That&#;s where HoldOn is different; its bags are certified for home composting. At first, Sawicki was skeptical of this claim, even with the certification, but she put a bag in her home compost pile and &#;after about ten days, it was nearly gone,&#; she says. HoldOn uses sugar and/or corn-derived polymers and corn starch to create its trash bags, which are as durable as any other trash bag, but are also safe for the environment and suitable for home composting.

    $29

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    $29

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    Best small biodegradable trash bags

    Primode 100% Compostable Trash Bags

    $19

    Sustainable Jungle&#;s Mabin says these bags from Primode are &#;made of plants and vegetables and not much more,&#; adding that they are certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute, a nonprofit that prides itself on being &#;North America&#;s leading authority on compostable products and packaging.&#; Primode offers many biodegradable trash bags, but these, the company&#;s small three-gallon bags, are a great size for daily kitchen waste &#; both for the food scraps sent to the backyard compost pile or for everyday trash &#; or for lining smaller trash cans such as those in an office or bathroom. The 100-count box you get also means a great value.

    $19

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    $19

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    Best midsize biodegradable trash bags

    Green Earth Compostable Medium Kitchen Food Scrap Waste Bags

    $8

    These biodegradable trash bags are marketed for composting food scraps and will fit perfectly into many countertop compost bins. Materia USA&#;s Gottesfeld says they are made with &#;plant-based materials&#; and are fully compostable. They&#;re also a great size for the smaller- to medium-size waste baskets around the house or in the office, and, for more traditional trash, you can count on them to support plenty of weight and resist punctures or leaks.

    $8

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    $8

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    Best large biodegradable trash bags

    BioBag The Original Compostable Bag

    $83

    These large 48-gallon biodegradable trash bags are big enough for use in outdoor trash cans. Sustainable Jungle&#;s Mabin says that they are made from plant-based bioplastics, like corn starch, and biodegradable polymers. While pricey, at more than a dollar per bag, these large, durable trash bags can handle up to 20 pounds of garbage. Just remember that, like all biodegradable bags, they will start to break down within days when filled with organic materials, especially in warmer conditions &#; if filled with nonorganic materials, like plastics and shredded papers and such, they will retain their integrity much longer.

    $83

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    $83

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    Best biodegradable lawn bags

    Tapix Lawn And Leafs Bags

    $21 for 8

    $21 for 8

    I&#;m my own home&#;s lawn guy, and I try to be green in lawn care. One way I do this is to use biodegradable bags to collect grass trimmings and raked leaves and debris, because these bags allow this organic material to break down and become exposed to air, releasing CO2. Which is better than what happens to yard waste that breaks down in plastic bags that block air: Then it produces methane, a greenhouse gas more than 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide at trapping heat in the atmosphere. Sturdy and durable enough to hold many pounds of organic detritus, and able to withstand punctures from thorns and smaller brambles, these have been my go-to lawn bags for the better part of five years, and I&#;ve yet to have one fail me.

    $21 for 8

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    $21 for 8

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