Biodegradable Definition: What Does ‘Biodegradable’ Mean?
-
Loading... - Diana Ankrah
- 24 Apr 2023
- 60 Views
- 0 Like
- 0 Comment
Biodegradable materials are a more environmentally friendly set of elements with which to make goods. Given the right assortment of microorganisms, bacteria, and the like, they can eventually decompose back into natural elements and blend in with the earth. Learn more about how biodegradable materials figure into waste management and sustainability.
What Does ‘Biodegradable’ Mean?
Biodegradable products interact with microbes, bacteria, and other organic materials to disintegrate into biomass after use. For example, compare paper to plastic waste. Since paper comes from wood, it has an easier time decomposing into elements suitable for a natural environment or landfill. On the other hand, many microplastic materials rely so much on additional chemicals they will never be able to incorporate themselves into an organic landscape.
Biodegradable vs. Compostable: What’s the Difference?
While all compostable materials are biodegradable, not all biodegradable materials are compostable. The former decompose much faster in both land and marine environments, while the latter might take a greater amount of time to reintegrate into their surrounding ecosystem. Compostable products also have much more of a direct impact on the surrounding environment, especially with regard to the soil.
There’s significant controversy about how biodegradable or compostable certain products can even be. For instance, many goods with either label might have a difficult time breaking down into their composite organic parts. Additionally, products of both types might still release greenhouse gasses like methane as they disintegrate into anaerobic landfills. Read More…
