Biodegradable

So, what does it mean for something to be biodegradable? If something is biodegradable, then, given the right conditions it will eventually break down to its basic components and blend back in with the earth. Ideally without leaving any toxins behind. Some things are naturally biodegradable, like food and plants, while other items can break down into harmful chemicals or gases. 

However, everything we use or create can be called biodegradable because eventually everything will break down – from organic waste and wooden cutlery to plastic packaging. It’s only that some things take longer to break down than others. So, having the word ‘biodegradable’ on packaging can be quite misleading to consumers.

Learn More – Further Resources

Quick Reads

Replacing Plastic: Can Bacteria Help Us Break The Habit?

Are cosmetics poisoning our water supply?

UK to get first ever standard for biodegradable plastic following confusion over terminology

Longer Reads

Transforming Plastic: From Pollution to Evolution

Listen

New research shows that biodegradable plastics aren’t really biodegradable