'Green' waste explained.
We're all about reducing, reusing and refilling first here at SomethingGood. But, when it comes to products that do need packaging, then knowing what to look out for is key.
Biodegradable, compostable, made from plants….they all sound good, but what’s the difference, how green are they really and does that little green leaf just make us feel a bit better about the packaging we’re using, and disposing of?
There are a lot of buzzwords about, and whilst many (not all) retailers have the best intentions in using ‘green’ packaging, it’s not always clear whether it’s really better for the environment or helps reduce waste and pollution in the long run.
If we really want to make a difference, we need to know the difference - so have a read and pass it on.
BIODEGRADABLE
If something is biodegradable it means it is ‘something that will eventually break down by natural processes, without scientific treatment’.
But depending on what it's made from, this could take anything from a few months to a few hundred years. But we may still be left with smaller components like micro-plastics, which are harmful for our oceans, our own health, and are harder to clean up than the material in its original form.
Can it be composted at home, or put into the food or garden waste collection? No.
Can it be recycled? No. Biodegradable plastics will contaminate otherwise recyclable materials, and should be disposed of in the general waste bin.
Plastics sold as being biodegradable are more likely to be littered than other types of plastic, simply because people are unsure how to dispose of them, or they are disposed of incorrectly. Biodegradable materials need the right conditions to 'break down' - and where this waste ends up may not always have the right conditions. Meaning sadly it's no more effective environmentally than other materials (conventional plastics included!).
COMPOSTABLE
The term compostable means 'something that is capable of being used as compost' - simple! A compostable material is made from materials that have been certified to break down completely into non-toxic components (water, carbon dioxide, and biomass) that will not harm the environment. The time it takes for something to break down depends on the product itself and the composting conditions.
This is all good stuff, and products and packaging that are compostable are definitely moving in the right direction, however, we still need to get this right in order not to contaminate our waste and redirect everything to landfill once again.
Make sure you check if something is labeled as ‘home compostable’ or ‘commercially compostable’ - it's all down to the conditions needed to fully break down this material.
Home Compostable:
Things to look out for: Look for a ‘seedling’ logo or the 'OK Compost – Home' certification mark.
Can it be composted at home, or put into the food or garden waste collection? Yes, they can be placed into the council collected home compost bin or in your own home composter. They cannot be put in with garden waste.
Can it be recycled? No. These items will contaminate otherwise recyclable materials.
Commercially Compostable:
Things to look out for: Look for a ‘seedling’ logo or the 'OK Compost – Industrial' certification mark.
Can it be composted at home, or put into the food or garden waste collection? No. You need to check if your council has an option for industrial composting in your area. If not, these items need to be placed in your general waste bin because they require specialist conditions to compose.
Can it be recycled? No. These items will contaminate otherwise recyclable materials.
BIO-PLASTIC OR PLANT-BASED PLASTIC
We’re seeing this pop up more and more. Bio-plastics are made entirely from, or with a high percentage of, non-fossil fuel derived materials, which of course is great news. Bio-plastics aren’t necessarily biodegradable or compostable - so you still need to make sure you check the label.
Can it be composted at home, or put into the food or garden waste collection? No.
Can it be recycled? Possibly. Plant based plastics can often be recycled, but plastics with any type of compostable or biodegradable certification can’t be recycled in your council collected bins, you'll need to follow the guidelines we've outlined above. Or, opt for your reusable bags - we love a good organic cotton sting bag.
SOME GOOD THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT - MATERIALS
NatureFlex - a wondrous material made by converting wood pulp into airtight, transparent packaging (that looks and acts just like plastic). The wood they use to make it is from FSC sustainably-managed plantations and the end product can be composted at home - YAY! We've started to use this material sparingly at SomethingGood, to keep our recipe kits super fresh!
FSC certified paper - FSC stands for the Forest Stewardship Council. They are an incredible organisation who only source wood for production from forests that are sustainably managed. FSC certified paper is reusable, biodegradable, and recyclable, so we recommend putting it in with your home recycling.
Composite - is when something is made from two or more different materials. These products can be problematic for recycling as they must first be broken into their original, individual materials, which is often impossible and many councils will refuse to process composites, meaning they will contaminate your other recyclable materials.
Polypropylene - whilst this plastic is BPA free, and food safety approved, it's still a pesky (toxic) plastic that finds it's way into many of our go-to products - teabags being a major culprit here. So, check your tea and make sure it's plastic free! Polypropylene is neither biodegradable, compostable or recyclable
OUR TOP FIVE TIPS WHEN IT COMES TO 'GREEN' WASTE
1. Reduce, reuse, refill first! Of course.
2. Support brands who are promoting a circular economy, perhaps offering collection or refill schemes (hello Fill).
3. Look a little closer at the label - what's it made and how should we dispose of it?
4. Look out for the 'plastic-free' and the 'OK Compost – Home' certification marks.
5. Share this information far and wide, the more people know, the more progress we can make, together!