The Circle of Life and the Myth of Biodegradable Plastics

We live. We die. We break down and then fall back to the Earth. It is the natural cycle of life and the very principles that drive composting, the recycling or organic matter back into the soil. Composting has grown in popularity as the public works to reduce waste and turn it into something usable. Individuals start compost piles in their backyards; schools begin small by planting miniature piles in hollowed-out two-liter bottles; even commercial facilities are playing with “dirt.” And so have industries that create “biodegradable” plastics. Their claim—that all you have to do is toss this environmentally-friendly piece of plastic into your compost pile and nature will take care of the rest.

Back in the previous decade, polylactic acid (PLA) had become a big thing; the theory being that plastic created from corn was compostable and would take the pressure off landfills. Newman’s Own Organics and Wild Oats became early adopters of corn plastic in the packaging of their products. Walmart soon jumped on the bandwagon too. After all, what wasn’t to like about a material that could supposedly breakdown in less than 90 days?

CES 2012 introduced a novel, but more relevant product employing compostable rubber, a.k.a., compostable elastomer. Green Dot, a biotechnology enterprise with a social conscience, teamed with Colorado-based Nite Ize to create the BioCase, the world’s first certified compostable iPhone 4 case. According to Nite Ize: “When consistently exposed to a composting environment it will completely break down in only a few months, while those other cases will be around for years to come.” Press Green Dot further and they’ll clarify the statement to “if left in an aerobic commercial composting facility . . .” Therein lays the caveat—totally biodegradable, but maybe not a home.

Just because you probably shouldn’t toss your iPhone case (like you’d do that every day) doesn’t mean you can’t help nature run its true course. Create your own pile. Start with an enclosed bin in a shady spot, and line it with soil. Then toss your organic waste, kitchen waste, food scraps and organic whatnot. Include a variety of “green” and “brown” waste and moisture to ensure balance and keep the stinkiness at bay. And toss that plastic in . . . but don’t expect instant mulch in 90 days.

For more information, go to www.epa.gov/osw/conserve/rrr/composting/backyard.htm and www.niteize.com.