5 Examples of Biodegradable Containers That Are Better For The Environment

Image by mackenzienicole

There are so many containers we use on a day to day basis that simply aren’t good for the environment. Just ask yourself, every time you get “take-out” food, what happens to the Styrofoam (or polystyrene) containers your food was packaged in? Items such as plastic bottles, cans, plastic bags, paper cups, Styrofoam, etc. can all end up in landfills when not properly recycled or re-used. Worse yet, they can end up out in the environment for hundreds or thousands of years, where they can be harmful to nature and wildlife.  So, obviously biodegradable containers would be a more environmentally-friendly alternative. But what kinds of biodegradable containers exist?

Additionally, even though you may consider yourself good at recycling, there are a number of items that you might not realize can’t be recycled. That makes it even more important to search for and find biodegradable alternatives.

Of course, you can forgo using any types of containers such as these and switch to more eco-friendly options. However, if you find yourself in need of a temporary container, here are 5 examples of biodegradable containers that are better for the environment:

1) Plastic water bottles: Now, it’s always better to opt for a reusable container when looking for a way to take water (or other drinks) with you. Stainless steel, BPA-free or aluminum bottles are a smart option. But sometimes plastic water bottles may be your only available choice. In that case, it’s smart that some companies are taking steps to make their water bottles more biofriendly.

Canada’s RedLeaf is one that stands out, as they now have a “bio-bottle”. Better than plant-based bottles, their bio-bottle is not only recyclable, but is 100% bio-degradable. Better for the environment.

2) Paper/Plastic Cup Alternative: Many of us have grown up using disposable paper or plastic cups for parties, picnics and even around the house. Well, this is one of my favorite paper/plastic cup alternatives. Probably best used at parties or picnics, Jelloware glasses are a innovative way to liven up your drinking experience. Better yet, you can even nibble on your cup while you’re drinking and/or toss it in the grass or bushes when you’re done. Why? Well, because these glasses are made of a seaweed extract that provides nutrients to plants to help them grow. Wouldn’t you say that makes these containers better for the environment?

Here’s a cute video about the Jelloware glasses:

3) Take-Out Containers: Did you know that the chemicals in polystyrene take-out containers can actually leak into your food? Additionally, billion of Styrofoamâ„¢ or polystyrene containers are thrown away every year. Isn’t it about time there were more eco-friendly, biodegradable alternatives?

Image by Mr. T in DC

Well, thankfully there are. Companies, such as Styrophobia, are now making compostable and biodegradable containers to help fill the demand for take-out containers in an environmentally-friendly manner. Doesn’t it seem better to use a container made from sugarcane or corn rather than petroleum or other chemicals?

4) Gardening Pots: If you’ve ever gone to a gardening center to pick out plants for your backyard or even indoor garden, you’ll probably seen all the plastic containers that are used. Well, now there’s even an environmentally-friendly alternative for those…biodegradable pots. Natural, hygienic and fully biodegradable, these pots are perfect for anyone interested in gardening or growing food without all the plastic. Simply take a look at the product life cycle of these pots and you’ll know.

Here’s an example of how you can make your own biodegradable pots too:

5) Poop bags: Having a dog myself, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention biodegradable puppy poop bags as a more environmentally-friendly option to standard plastic poop bags. When you’re out walking your dog, rather than opting for standard plastic bags, why not bring along biodegradable bags? It doesn’t require much explaining because if you think about it, it simply makes more sense.

I’m sure there are many other alternatives for plastic or polystyrene containers, but these were just a few I thought were worth sharing. Do you know or use any other biodegradable containers that are better for the environment? What about containers that need environmentally-friendly alternatives?

1 Comment

  • nan

    Tara, this year I tried something new in the greenhouse. I cut toilet paper tubes in half and am starting seeds in them. I put a bunch of them close together on a plastic tray, filled them with soil, covered the whole thing with a produce bag, and now I keep it moist. I just did this a few days ago, so I’ll let you know how it goes!

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