Nicole - Defining Biodegradable

Something that is biodegradable is capable of being broken down or decomposed. This is caused by some biological action of bacteria, fungi, and other living organisms. Temperature and sunlight also play a role in this process. Biodegradable products do not possess harmful chemicals, plastic coatings, or the need for excessive energy to create them.

So what is a biodegradable product? It is made from material that is eco-friendly that can decompose in landfills and other environments. The source of the material determines whether a product is biodegradable. Natural materials that come from plants and other natural fibers, animal's natural fibers, and materials manufactured with a chemical base are all sources that contribute to a product being biodegradable. Some substances that are biodegradable include: food scraps, cotton, wool, wood, tree leaves, grass clippings, and manufactured products.



Materials that do not possess the characteristic of being biodegradable stay in the environment for a long time and contribute to pollution.

Biodegradable seems to be the buzz word these days, although many of the products that claim to be easily decomposed are not.

Biodegradable products do not have:

•    Harmful chemicals

•    Plastic coatings

•    The need for excessive energy to create them

The images below show a biodegradable bag degrading into the earth

Biodegradable Packaging is Plant-Based

Biodegradable packaging is plant-based. The largest producer of this product created from resin -- which is called PLA (polylactic acid)-- is located outside of Blair, Nebraska. NatureWorks is the name of the manufacturer that uses corn to produce an industrial resin or polymer. NatureWorks claims that their polymer product is "derived from 100 percent annually renewable resources such as corn" and is the "world's first polymer showing a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions."

Other companies across the globe use alternative biodegradable products - starch, sugar and reeds - to produce their packaging.

Prior to recent years, nearly all packaging for food, produce, and supplies were sold in plastics that were oil-based, made from petroleum. Now with the rising costs of oil, companies are looking for ways to save money.

When the largest retailer in the world, Wal-Mart, said that it would sell produce in PLA containers, this boosted sales of biodegradable packaging. Wal-Mart plans to use 114 million PLA containers over the course of a year. It is estimated that this eco-friendly decision will cut down on 800,000 barrels of oil each year.

It is believed that there will be a growing demand for this corn-based biodegradable product, causing the market to grow by about 20 percent over the next year. Consumers and environmentalists, along with national recycling regulations, are helping with the growth.