The Brelli is said to be world’s first biodegradable umbrella. Inspired by asian parasols, the Brelli’s handle and frame are crafted from bamboo (sustainably-harvested), and the canopy is made out of an innovative bioplastic. The canopy can be composted in conventional landfills  –  it has passed stringent tests certifying that it will fully biodegrade in one to two years.

The Brelli is available in two sizes: a 37″ diameter version ($28) and a 52″ diameter version ($38). It’s currently available at Fred Siegel, Zero Minus Plus and Jussara Lee in New York.

Web site: Brelli

Via: Alternative Consumer

The most efficient food storage bag are BioBags. These bags are similar to plastic bags, but they are composed of corn-based bioplastic. Unlike conventional plastic, the bioplastic “breathes” without leaking, allowing heat and moisture to evaporate, which keeps food fresh longer. They are also GMO-free, 100% biodegradable and compostable. Note: The bags are labelled “Food Waste” bags but the company recommends them for food storage as well.

Biobags are available from Drugstore.Com or Garden’s Supply Company. See a full list of retailers here.

See more information about their other products here.

BioBags are the first 100% bio­degradable alternative to plastic bags. They are made from cornstarch, vegetable oil and other renewable resources.

BioBags makes kitchen “compost bags” to store foods scraps before composting. They can also can be used to store food in the refrigerator. The advantage over plastic, is that these bags will “breath” without leaking. This allows heat and moisture to evaporate, which keeps food fresh longer. Also, unlike plastic bags, there is no risk of Biobags leaching unhealthy residues into your food.

They also make biodegradable “doggy waste” bags (which is actually a great application of bioplastic), and “lawn and left” bags.

For the garden, there is Garden Bio-Film, which is designed to protect your plantings from weeds and stimulate warmth for uniform growth, then return itself to the earth after the plantings reach maturation. The film also serves as a plant protector during frost and wind warnings.

Biota is the first spring water to be packaged in a compostable bottle. The bottle is made of a corn-based bioplastic, which was exclusively created for Biota by Naturework PLA. The bioplastic is an alternative to PET which is the petroleum-based plastic commonly used to bottle beverages. PET takes about a thousand years to decompose.

The bottle will break down completely in 75-80 days but only when conditions are right. It will not decompose even if you leave the bottle in a hot car for weeks. The decomposition only takes place when exposed to constant heat (120-140°) and humidity. The bottle label is also biodegradeable, but unfortunately the bottle cap is not, although Biota hopes to change that.

Another advantage to the bottle is that it will not leach unhealthy residues into the water, and thus the water never gets a “plasticky” taste to it.

The water itself comes from a spring in Ouray, Colorado. Biota is currently only available in Colorado, California and Nevada. It is priced as a premium spring water.

Web Site: Biota Spring Water

A stronger bioplastic has been created by NEC.

It was achieved by reinforcing polylactic acid with kenaf fiber.

Kenaf is an extremely fast growing plant which absorbs more CO₂ than other other crop.

The bioplastic would be beneficial to the ecosystem during its manufacture and when it is discarded and biodegrades.

The superior stength and heat resistance of this bioplastic allows use in products such as walkmans, computer cases and other electronics. NEC expects to make use of the new material in 2005-2006.

More Information: NEC Press Release on new Bioplastic

Sometimes, well, it’s just hard to find Bioplastic dinnerware! We’ve found a couple of places that have a good range of biodegradable dinnerware and related items.

SimplyBiodegradable and SinlessBuying carry restaurant-style “to go” dinnerware. Gaiam also sells picnic-style place sets.

Bioplastic dinnerware by Danish designers Papcorn.