We know we have a pollution problem. However, it seems like the conversation starts and ends with single-use products and packaging. Our environmental problems are multifaceted though, and there’s more than one thing at work here. Although our quantifiable understanding of how products affect the environment is still growing, that’s not reason enough for me to not pay attention to the things I’m using. That’s why – when possible – I choose biodegradable products.
What does it mean to be biodegradable?
Something is biodegradable if it’s capable of being decomposed, or broken down, naturally in an ecosystem. Biodegradable materials gradually get broken down into smaller components – think water, gas, and organic matter – thanks to microorganisms like bacteria and fungi. The term biodegradable applies to everything, from nature to manufactured products.
Unfortunately, companies heavily greenwash buzzwords like biodegradable. There aren’t concrete rules needed to label something as such. So, having that label doesn’t necessarily mean a product can biodegrade unless under certain circumstances.
Even so, that isn’t to say I’m going to stop trying to find products that won’t persist throughout the environment. Things don’t magically disappear – that shampoo you washed off in the shower goes somewhere! But it is helpful to keep in mind that companies want you to buy their products and know that appearing more sustainable will help things sell.
Are biodegradable products eco-friendly?
To decipher if something is actually eco-friendly, you need to look at its entire life cycle. Knowing a product’s life cycle, the stages it goes through from development to end of life, allows us to get a clearer idea of its full impact and helps consumers understand how well it may biodegrade. But, overall, being biodegradable helps minimize environmental pollution and should be a considerable part sustainability as a whole.
How does being biodegradable minimize pollution?
Although the entire life cycle of consumer goods is important in overcoming overconsumption and resource exploitation, whether something can biodegrade can have substantial effects. Generally, products that can’t break down cause far-reaching pollution when they get into our waterways.
After or during use, the products we use can get washed off our bodies. These washed-off products then enter wastewater treatment plants via drainage or go directly into waterways – like when we swim in lakes or oceans – without being treated.
Many common ingredients in our products are not effectively removed in wastewater treatment plants and then continue to travel in aquatic and terrestrial environments. Every day things like shampoo, body wash, lotions, and hair products are used yet contribute a massive amount of surfactants and other materials to our environment.
There’s been discourse surrounding pharmaceuticals in our waterways, but cosmetics may pose an even greater risk. That’s because these products are used periodically and typically throughout life. Plus, typically designed for external use, these products enter the environment in unaltered large quantities.
Despite low levels of exposure to cosmetic ingredients, there is a steady and perpetual supply in aquatic systems. So, overall, the eventual breakdown of these ingredients in the environment allows this perpetual supply to end. This means being biodegradable helps minimize pollution.
What is a biodegradable product?
A biodegradable product, simply put, is a product that can biodegrade. So, a product is biodegradable if it can break down readily in the environment. Many ingredients in personal care products that are added as preservatives, fragrances, stabilizers, and surfactants are bioactive, environmentally persistent, and exhibit a potential bioaccumulation ability.
Therefore, these things can pose serious threats to environmental and human health because of indiscriminate, widespread, and prolonged exposure. In the end, biodegradable soaps, detergents, and other personal care products are a more sustainable choice.
What does it mean if a product is biodegradable?
There’s little distinction between what it actually means to be labeled “biodegradable”. There’s no concrete legal definition or parameters, in fact. Something may take a broad range of time to biodegrade, but because it eventually does, it can be described as biodegradable.
As it stands, the term biodegradable is more on par with a greenwashing claim. That’s because, in reality, biodegradability can be affected by a range of conditions and requirements that aren’t regulated. Most of the time this label is simply vague and not a good metric.
Are natural products better?
Natural and synthetic products can both potentially biodegrade readily or, at the same time, be difficult to degrade depending on the actual ingredient. A product being labeled as natural doesn’t automatically mean it’s better for the environment. The same holds true for inorganic products, the ingredients themselves are what matters not whether or not it’s of natural origin.
Realistically, how can you tell if a product is eco-friendly?
Although we should acknowledge nuance and knowledge gaps, we can still make conclusions about a product’s environmental impact. For example, some companies do make a point to be transparent about their biodegradability claims which I love to see. But, overall, it’s important to read ingredient lists, avoid known toxic ingredients, and reduce overall consumption.
Another way you can tell if a product is eco-friendly is through third-party certifications. For example, USDA Organic, ECOCERT, and Soil Association certifications are great things to look for instead of a biodegradable label. With these certifications, certain standards have been met and are more guaranteed to be eco-friendly.
So, should we be using biodegradable products?
Yes! Although being biodegradable isn’t the end-all-be-all when it comes to sustainability, in my opinion, it’s a good start. That’s not to say individuals are responsible for cleaning up the climate crisis, but there’s a role we can play to help.
Consumer goods have nuanced and far-reaching environmental impacts. This is just a piece of the puzzle, but one that’s helpful to be aware of. It’s time we think about the end-of-life stage for the products we buy.
Things like parabens cause organ and endocrine issues. Triclosan leads to larvae and embryo mortality. Then there’s the far-reaching damage microplastics have on various sea life. So, why use things known to be toxic to wildlife and damaging to our freshwater resources if there are other options?
There is a dire need for the regulation, innovation, and use of biodegradable products and packaging. Without that, we can’t address ecological impacts related to the bioactivity, toxicity, and bioaccumulation potential of perpetuated ingredients.
How do you know if a product is biodegradable?
Get familiar with ingredients! Until legislature reaches the point we need to be in terms of accountability, transparency, and holistic environmental and societal care we need to be the ones who are vigilant. Basically, we need to be reading ingredient lists and understand the implications of the things we buy and use.
Aviod ingredients like:
- Parabens
- Triclosan
- Benzalkonium chloride
- 1,4-dioxane
- Plastic microbeads
- Formaldehyde
- Silicones and other polymers
Use search engines or sites like EWG to learn about the ingredients in your products and go from there. Start slow, don’t try to replace everything at once (that isn’t sustainable!), and allow some trial-and-error.
Is choosing biodegradable products the only way to be eco-friendly?
Outside of reading ingredient lists, since that can be tricky and time-consuming, I recommend only giving your money to companies that have strong ethical and sustainability backing. We’ll always have some sort of impact on our environment – that’s the nature of things – but any change is positive.
Another helpful tip is to not impulse buy. Think purchases through and anticipate needs so you don’t feel the need to run out and buy whatever is most available then and there. Shop smart so you can shop in line with your ethics and avoid overconsumption!
If more people drive demand for biodegradable products and transparency then it’ll become better regulated and widespread. This will ensure greater accessibility for all and in turn lessen our collective impact on the environment. Over time, small changes can have a profound impact, so let’s show up and strive to do better.