Posted on Dec 17, 2021   Updated on Dec 17, 2021, 4:28 am CST

Transitioning to a green lifestyle can feel like a massive undertaking. What does eco-friendly mean? What is composting and what is biodegradable? How do you tell the difference? And how effective is recycling really?

Words like ‘green’ and ‘eco-friendly’ are umbrella terms that can be slapped onto any label. No matter what the label says, it’s good to know how your products are actually affecting the environment.

Learning your way around some common green terminology can help you better buy the products that are the most beneficial for you and the planet we share.

Living 100% green and squeaky-clean ain’t easy. Lack of income, access, and green legislature make it nearly impossible for the average person to live in harmony with the earth. Different people have different priorities, and it’s important to know yours.

There are a lot of different terms to describe how a product impacts the environment. Each term is designed to help answer one of two questions: how is it made and how is it thrown away?

Products are considered biodegradable if you leave them in nature and they will be eaten by bacteria or other microorganisms. Biodegradable materials include:

Biodegradable plastics only degrade under certain conditions, like those at an industrial facility. And those conditions may not be a truly sustainable option. Those plastics just break down into much smaller microplastic particles.

If organic materials are surrounded by synthetic materials like plastic, they don’t break down. Instead, they start to rot, releasing methane, a dangerous greenhouse gas. This is why many cities are redesigning landfills to separate out compostables.

Similar to biodegradables, microrganisms can break down compostable materials in about 90 days. The breakdown process has zero harmful effects on the environment and helps gardeners and farmers to have happier healthier soil.

Lots of people use their own scraps to create compost for their yard. Others send their scraps to a community facility. If you live in the U.S., you can use this ‘Where to Compost’ list by Litterless to find a facility near you. Or find your neighborhood community garden that composts.

All compostables are biodegradable. Not all biodegradables are compostable. Those plant-based plastics we mentioned? Not compostable. Items around your home that are compostable include:

Your local composting site may have limitations. Community gardens can’t accept oily foods, dairy products, or meats and fish. These items tend to be too smelly for compost bins in residential areas. Other items can only be composted at a commercial facility. 

The EPA doesn’t monitor the labeling or disposal of biodegradable and compostable products. Some states regulate the labeling and disposal of compostable products. You can find your state and city’s regulations, along with contact information, using the U.S. Compost Council’s website.

Does a product’s label say it’s compostable? That doesn’t mean it is. For specific info on product disposal, contact your local composting facility.

The easy, compostable swaps we love:

Most of us are familiar with recycling and have an opinion on whether or not it’s a worthwhile endeavor. Unfortunately, the majority of the plastics can’t be properly recycled. The good news is that you can feel confident about recycling clean:

The joy of reuse is everywhere. From thrift-shop fashion to upcycled furniture on TikTok. With a little creativity, we’re finding ways to use the items we already have. Many companies are getting creative with reusable alternatives for everyday disposable products. 

Amazing examples of upcycled products:

Looking for more sustainable products? Check out our list of eco-friendly gifts that keep on giving!

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Danni Danger is a freelance writer and on-screen personality in Austin, Texas. In 10th grade they memorized a copy of “The Guide to Getting it On” and has been talking loudly about sexual health and culture to anyone who will listen since. Formerly a YouTube personality, they specializes in producing video and written content meant to entertain, educate, and make even sailors blush.

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