biodegrable pots

15 Everyday Biodegradable Items as a Great Alternative to Plastic

With the war on plastic still raging forward, it’s more important than ever to start looking for alternative materials and biodegradable items.

The planet is about to reach a stage of irreversible events if people don’t start waking up to the harm that’s being caused.

You’ve likely heard about biodegradable materials and items, but what does it actually mean, and what products are a viable plastic alternative?

What Does ‘Biodegradable’ Mean?

A biodegradable item can be broken down by natural organisms without harming the environment. Once the product has broken down, it should leave nothing behind other than:

  • Water
  • Natural minerals 
  • Carbon

But here’s the thing:

Not all ‘biodegradable’ items live up to these terms, which is causing suspicions about the nature of biodegradable materials. So it is essential that you do your research on anything that is labeled as ‘biodegradable’ to ensure it actually is so, before buying.

Everyday Biodegradable Items 

There’s a whole host of everyday biodegradable items you have available at your fingertips. 

To help you on your biodegradable journey; here are some plastic items that can be replaced with an eco-friendly alternative:

#1 Glitter

Glitter has become more popular at festivals than ever, for which we can thank Instagram “Influencers.” Glitter is made from tiny pieces of plastic, causing immense harm to our ecosystem. 

Biodegradable glitter seems to be a step in the right direction. Biodegradable glitter is made with natural materials. 

#2 Balloons 

It’s up for debate about the biodegradability of traditional balloons. They are made from latex, which is a natural material. This suggests that latex balloons are biodegradable.

The problem is biodegradable balloons might not be…well, biodegradable. Luckily there are plenty of alternatives, as you can see in the link above.

#3 Trash Bags

The issue with traditional trash bags is they don’t biodegrade. This means your biodegradable trash will struggle to get the conditions it needs to break down. 

Luckily, there are trash bags we can add to the list of everyday biodegradable items. Because they break down quickly and efficiently, making it easier for your trash to get the conditions it needs to break down.

#4 Plates

For years people have been carelessly discarding their plastic plates after BBQs and parties. And although it might seem like a time-saving option (no one likes washing up), it’s actually causing a lot of harm to the planet.

You should start looking for a biodegradable alternative to the traditional plastic plates. Biodegradable plates are made with several materials, all of which leave no trace. You can even opt for edible plates and cups, if you so choose.

#5 Straws

Plastic straws are getting banned worldwide, so it’s more important than ever you start looking for an alternative. 

Paper straws have become most people’s go-to disposable straw. But many people aren’t happy with their performance, which is where bamboo comes in.

#6 Toothbrushes

Toothbrushes are an item we use daily, and they often need replacing. Biodegradable toothbrushes are made with bamboo, which means the handle can biodegrade. 

biodegradable toothbrushes

The problem is the bristles; most of them are made with nylon, which is why you should look out for boar hair bristles.

#7 Phone Cases

Most people don’t think about the damage phone cases are having on the planet, but they should be. Most phone cases are made with plastic, which, as you know, isn’t good for the environment.

Biodegradable phone cases keep your phone protected against small falls, but more importantly, it protects the environment. 

#8 K-Cups

Everyone loves a cup of coffee in the morning; it’s often the lifeline that makes them feel normal. The problem is K-cups aren’t doing the planet any good.

And this is why you should start looking for biodegradable k-cups. They are made with organic materials that can biodegrade without causing any harm to the environment. 

#9 Dog Bags

Unfortunately, a part of having a dog is cleaning up after them. But why make things worse for the planet by putting the poop in plastic bags?

Biodegradable bags can break down quickly, so the poop isn’t stuck in the bag forever. Think about it, what’s the point of putting poop inside a plastic bag that doesn’t break down? The answer is, there is no point!

#10 Cotton Buds

Cotton buds aren’t usually thought of when you think of plastic items that cause damage to the planet. But in truth, they are just as bad as plastic straws, which is why it’s time to stop using them.

Biodegradable cotton buds are an eco-friendly alternative that causes far less harm than the traditional product. The buds are made with bamboo, which doesn’t just make them biodegradable; it also makes them more sustainable.

#11 Water Bottles

Plastic bottles are one of the most found trash products all other the world, and it’s not doing the environment any favors. But now, you can actually get biodegradable water bottles.

There’s still a little debate about how effective these bottles are, but it’s certainly a step in the right direction. If you need to buy water on the go, at least make sure the bottle is biodegradable.

#12 Cutlery 

Again plastic cutlery was designed to make people’s lives easier by giving them the option of not washing up. But, this has been causing immense damage to the environment.

biodegradable cutlery

Biodegradable cutlery is the answer to people’s problems.

#13 Diapers

Diapers are causing harm not just to your baby’s bottom but to the environment also. Many of the traditional diapers contain plastic and harsh chemicals.

Biodegradable diapers have none of that, which means you don’t have to worry about your baby’s bum and you can seriously reduce the number of diapers just sat in landfill sites. Win/win. 

#14 Sanitary Towels

Sanitary towels are another product that contains plastic deep within the fibers, which makes it impossible to biodegrade safely.

And this is why you should start looking at the biodegradable alternative. Not only is it better for your health, but it also stops the environment from getting damaged. 

#15 Garden Pots

If you’re a fan of growing your own vegetables, you should start looking for biodegradable plant pots. Traditional plastic can leach BPA chemicals due to the sun, which then get absorbed by the plant.

As they say, you are what you eat, and eating plastic is not ideal for your health. Try biodegradable pots instead for extra health benefits.

Wrapping Up

They are just a few everyday items you can start using to reduce the amount of plastic in your life.

Remember, for an item to classes as biodegradable; it should degrade without leaving any traces it was there. Switching to biodegradable, recyclable, or reusable products has a huge impact on the waste you leave behind!

Author Bio: Viktorija Zenkova is passionate about driving positive change with the hope of building a better healthier environment for all people and animals. After years of travelling and seeing the problem on a global scale, she began her website ‘ecofreek.com’ in a effort to start educating and offering simple solutions that have a big impact.

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