Question

Biogradable plastic bags are marketed as more eco-friendly solutions; able to break down into harmless material more quickly than traditional plastics. One company claims their shopping bag " will degrade and biodegrade in a continuous, irreversible and unstoppable process " if it ends up as litter in the environment.

What kind of reasoning is demonstrated by the company's claim?

Fallacy
Gambler's fallacy
Half truth
Bias

Answer 1

The company's claim demonstrates a **half-truth**. While biodegradable plastic bags may break down more quickly than traditional plastics, the assertion that they will degrade in an "unstoppable process" if littered suggests that they will completely decompose in every environmental condition, which may not always be the case. The conditions necessary for biodegradation (such as the presence of specific microorganisms, moisture, and temperature) might not be present in all littered environments, leading to the misleading impression that they are completely harmless when discarded improperly.