Biodegradable – What You Need to Know About It

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You have probably heard of the word “biodegradable”. It is not new. This term has been around for ages. However, biodegradable consciousness has recently gone up a notch higher. People are becoming more eco-friendly and with this attitude comes the preference for biodegradable products.

Understanding the word Biodegradable

In order for a material to be considered as biodegradable, it should be capable of being broken down into its basic element. It‘s basic component should be something that the environment can easily absorb. Something that is biodegradable can be broken down into simple organisms, hydrogen, carbon, fungi, bacteria or oxygen.

Not Everything Biodegradable is Good

Now, do not think that a material that is biodegradable is automatically a good thing. Not everything that can be broken down into its basic component or element is good for the environment. There are objects or materials that may break down into elements that are bad for the environment or people’s health. An example of this element is nonylphenolethoxylate, a chemical that is commonly found in cleaning products. When this chemical breaks down, it turns into a benzene compound that is extremely harmful to women’s reproductive health.

Biodegradable Materials Have Varying Breakdown Period

There are biodegradable items like bread that actually takes only a few days to break down. There are some items that take months before they disintegrate. An example of this is a piece of paper which can take about 5 to 6 weeks before it breaks down into its basic elements. Milk cartoons, although made of paper, will take about 5 years to break down. Banana peels take about the same time. Orange peels, however, may take half a year to decompose. Cotton rags will take about a month to five months to break down properly. Be careful with your cigarette butts because they take a year to 12 years to return to their natural elements.

The varying breakdown period is worthy of note, so you will be able to plan your disposal methods properly. There are people who use natural compost for their garden. Compost that is composed of natural materials will easily decompose. However, compost that includes waste may take a few months or years to actually break down. If you know the break down period of various materials, you will be able to easily seek out better methods of disposing of the materials and encourage faster decomposition.

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