Biodegradable, degradable and compostable

Biodegradable, degradable and compostable

1. degradable

   • "to break down"
     • something degradable will not break down 100%
     • the timeframe to break down can be 450 years
   • example:
     • plastic straws
       • the plastic never fully degrades
         • it turns into microplastic

2. biodegradable

   • "to break down"
     • but it decompose into natural elements
       • like Carbon dioxide or water vapour
         • with the help of organisms like bacteria and fungi
       • it doesn't mean that is 100% eco-friendly
       • the process takes is affected by temperature, oxygen, moisture and light levels
         • if the plastic doesn't catch the sunlight and other elements it can't degrade
           • producing toxic gases like harmful methane
             • which is one of the responsibles from the greenhouse effects
     • the timeframe to break down is 3-6 months

3. compostable

   • made from polylatic acid
     • the timeframe to decompose is 90 days
     • this material is made from
       • corn starch
       • sugar cane
     • when it breaks down it turn into nutrient-rich
       • it doesn't left toxic residues
   • example
     • banana peel

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