When we see the word ‘biodegradable’ on everyday products like food containers or trash bags, we tend to think that these products are superior to others in their sustainability. Oftentimes we even search for biodegradable products in particular. But what does it really mean to be biodegradable, and what are its implications on the environment?
‘Biodegradable’ essentially means that something can be broken down into smaller parts by bacteria or other living organisms. Technically, under this definition, everything is biodegradable, if given the right time frame. Some biodegradable items, like biodegradable plastics, grass clippings, and newspapers break down into methane and carbon dioxide, which are harmful greenhouse gases. A study conducted in 2011 by North Carolina State University showed that biodegradable plastics emit the most methane (greenhouse gas) out of all products and substances in landfills. Greenhouse gasses, in short, trap the sun’s heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, keeping the Earth warm. They are necessary to support human life, but an excess of greenhouse gasses is a leading cause of global warming. While some landfill sites have developed methods of capturing the greenhouse gases that are produced, catching all of it is difficult, meaning that it is still contributing to global warming.
If something is ‘biodegradable,’ people generally anticipate that it is vaguely good for the environment. Even though its actual definition is far from the public connotation, it raises the question: is it right for companies to label products as biodegradable in hopes of attracting environmentally motivated customers? One could argue that labeling non-eco conscious products as biodegradable is a form of greenwashing, a phenomenon in which advertisers intentionally lead people to believe that an organization is more environmentally friendly than it is.
Many people trying to be environmentally conscious enjoy buying products labeled as biodegradable because it’s a simple way to feel good about how their consumption affects the world. Seeing that a product is biodegradable can help people make a quick decision that allows them to feel good about their impact on the environment. Now that we’ve concluded that biodegradable doesn’t necessarily translate into being good for the Earth, you can look out for the following more reliable certifications:
- Global Organic Textile Standard: Standard of environmental policies for organic fibers.
- Fair Trade Certified: Certification for clothing and food items that are environmentally friendly.
- Certified B Corporation: Certification of a corporation that examines their impact on the environment and workers.
- Green Seal: Certification for various products based on an assessment of environmental impact.
- Non-GMO: Certification for food and personal care products that use only GMO free ingredients. The process to achieve certification involves testing for cro
ss-contamination as well. (Note: GMO stands for Genetically Modified Organisms.) - USDA Organic: Certification for food, textiles, and personal care products that don’t use specific pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers at all, or in certain safe quantities.
These certifications are more legitimate than a mere biodegradable label because they are bestowed by a third party organization, meaning that a company can’t simply add it to their packaging to attract buyers. Instead, they must be able to prove that their product meets the third party’s standards, often at their own expense.
Additionally, you can look for products labeled as compostable. While this term doesn’t carry the same official credibility as a third-party certification label, it is less susceptible to becoming a tool of greenwashing than the term biodegradable. If something is compostable, it breaks down into nutrient-rich soil, rather than non-descript substances like biodegradable products. Anything that’s compostable is biodegradable, but not everything biodegradable is compostable, so be careful not to confuse the two.
Beyond purchasing and using truly earth-friendly products, further sustainability efforts can be conducted at home. Composting things like fruits and vegetables, grass clippings, coffee grounds and paper filters, paper tea bags, dry leaves, twigs, shredded paper and cardboard can help lower your personal environmental impact. Compost can also be used to enrich your soil. You can use it in home gardens and lawns, making your efforts beneficial to you and to the environment.
To truly reduce your personal impact on the environment, sometimes you have to look beyond what is presented to you. It’s important to be mindful of subtle greenwashing techniques pushed by corporations with no environmental interests.
