Is Biodegradable and Compostable the same thing ? Can they be used interchangeably?
Biodegradable and compostable materials are those that can be broken down by living things, such as bacteria and fungi, in a relatively short period of time.
Biodegradable is the process of being decomposed by microorganisms to form simpler substances. Compostable is the process of being broken down by microorganisms into organic material for use in soil. Both are important in order to reduce the amount of waste in landfills. They also help reduce pollution because they do not produce methane gas.
Why are most biodegradable products also compostable but not all compostable products biodegradable?
Here is when it can be challenging to distinguish between the two names. Although some items, like plants and food waste, are naturally biodegradable, all materials theoretically qualify because they all eventually decompose to some extent in the ecosystem. Because they disintegrate into smaller bits when exposed to the elements, plastics and other synthetic materials are biodegradable. However, these and other nonorganic degraded materials will stay in the environment for a long time and may eventually turn into pollution and dangerous microplastics.
Organic, natural materials that can totally decompose into soil are considered compostable materials. By reducing the amount of organic waste discarded in landfills, compostable trash can improve soil quality, lower landfill and methane emissions, and enhance our environment. Because they are unable to degrade into soil, plastics and other synthetic materials cannot be composted.
Some products that I use are as listed below. They are from amazon and I get a small commission if you buy from these links and it helps me continue to blog and raise awareness on this topic.
Heavy duty Compostable Trash bags : https://amzn.to/48lcTfd
Compostable ziplock bags : https://amzn.to/48MqiwD
Compostable Paper plates : https://amzn.to/4aNv6Dv
Compostable Spoons : https://amzn.to/3vrqhzM