Biodegradable. Compostable. These are wonderful buzzwords we hear all the time when talking about Climate Change, gardening, and anti-pollution rhetoric. But what makes something biodegradable or compostable? Is one safer than the other? Let’s dig in and answer some questions.
Biodegradable, sounds awesome right? Something that breaks down over time with the help of living things. Actually it takes a grand total of four things for a biodegradable object to degrade, heat, water, oxygen, and microorganisms. Simple enough, however that object may never truly break down. It could take decades for a biodegradable object to break down. When biodegradable plastics do start the process, they degrade into gradually smaller pieces of plastic over a long period of time.
Something compostable is organic matter that can be turned into compost. Compostable matter breaks down into non-toxic components using the same four things biodegradable objects, the difference is compostable matter fully degrades. The process to fully break down does not hurt surrounding plant growth and breaks down faster than biodegradable objects as long as the right conditions are met.
Now we’ve broken down what breaks down and how, so what can we do with this information? What’s the next step? We can reduce the use of single use plastics, even biodegradable plastics by using reusables as often as possible. The transition into reducing waste can be a lot simpler than you’d expect. Reusable water bottles, stainless steel straws, tote bags for carrying groceries, cloth napkins, buying less packaged foods. We are all familiar with what we could do to make less waste. It’s even possible to compost at home! Check out these fast and easy tips.
I’m not going to pretend if we all make a switch to reusable things it’ll stop climate change and save the ocean. Or that it’s possible for all of us to make the change. Environmental concerns are a massive topic and it’s going to take a lot to cause a real change globally.
I can tell you with absolute certainty, if you decide to make your own compost using your kitchen waste your garden will thank you. And your wallet. Fertilizer off the shelves is not cheap, and deciding which one to buy can be tricky. That’s why I’ve started doing the research about making your own plant food at home. I hope to release a full recipe book by the end of August, so stick with me and stay tuned.
Peace to you,
Willow R
Owner, Rooted in my Strength
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