biodegradables
Nature breaks these
Biodegradables are materials that can be broken down by bacteria, fungi, or other living organisms into natural substances like water, carbon dioxide, and organic matter.
The term usually appears in discussions of waste management and environmental impact: Use biodegradables instead of plastic.
Food scraps, paper, and certain plant-based plastics qualify; conventional plastics do not.
Not harming the environment
- zero-wasteNo garbage produced
- greenColor of vegetation
- renewableCapable of restoration
- recyclableCapable of being remade
carbon-neutral · low-impact · circular economy · waste reduction · environmental · sustainable · pollution prevention · conservation
Decayed organic fertilizer
- decayGradual organic breakdown
- rotOrganic breakdown process
- breakdownFailure or decomposition
- disintegrateBreak into fragments
microorganisms · bacteria · fungi · enzymes · earthworms · humus · detritus · putrefaction
Plant-derived synthetic materials
- PBSNon-profit educational broadcaster
- cellulosePlant wall polysaccharide
- cornstarchMaize-derived thickening powder
- bagasseCane-crushing byproduct
hemp fiber · bamboo · mycelium · chitin · lignin · paper · cardboard · palm leaf
Eating implements collectively
- strawsHollow tubes for drinking
- cupsSmall drinking containers
- platesFlat eating dishes
- wrappersOuter product coverings
packing peanuts · mailers · clamshells · produce bags · coffee pods · six-pack rings · utensils · bowls
eco-friendly
Not harming the environment
- zero-wasteNo garbage produced
- greenColor of vegetation
- renewableCapable of restoration
recyclable · carbon-neutral · low-impact · circular economy · waste reduction · environmental · sustainable · pollution prevention · conservation · certification
compost
Decayed organic fertilizer
disintegrate · microorganisms · bacteria · fungi · enzymes · earthworms · humus · detritus · putrefaction · fermentation
bioplastics
Plant-derived synthetic materials
- PBSNon-profit educational broadcaster
- cellulosePlant wall polysaccharide
- cornstarchMaize-derived thickening powder
bagasse · hemp fiber · bamboo · mycelium · chitin · lignin · paper · cardboard · palm leaf · wheat straw
cutlery
Eating implements collectively
wrappers · packing peanuts · mailers · clamshells · produce bags · coffee pods · six-pack rings · utensils · bowls · blister packs
biodegradablesplastics
Moldable petroleum-based materials
synthetics · styrofoam · polystyrene · polyethylene · PVC
biodegradablessynthetics
Chemically manufactured substances
petrochemicals · synthetic materials · chemical compounds · polymers · nylon
biodegradablespollutants
Harmful environmental substances
toxic waste · hazardous materials · e-waste · landfill waste · single-use plastics
- biodegradable wasteTrash that decomposes naturally
- biodegradable plasticPolymer designed to decompose
- biodegradable bagsContainers that naturally decompose
- biodegradable materialsItems that decompose naturally
- biodegradable packagingMaterials that decompose naturally
- non-biodegradable wasteGarbage that won't decompose