Are compostable plates really compostable?
In recent years, the eco-conscious movement has seen a surge in the popularity. Including the use of compostable products . These include plates, utensils, and packaging. They offer a sustainable alternative to traditional single-use plastics. They promise to break down in compost piles. But are compostable plates truly compostable? The answer is a bit more complicated than a simple "yes" or "no."
Compostable items are ideal options. They're suitable for people who live in areas with composting facilities that accept them, like Fertile Ground! Some compostable items won’t break down in a regular home-scale compost bin.
Not all compostables are created equal
Many compostable serving ware items on the market today contain "forever chemicals." Or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These chemicals allow the product to break down. But, they pose a significant environmental risk. Compostable plates with PFAS break down into microplastics. They can contaminate both the compost pile and, the soil in your garden or yard.
The purpose of composting is to enrich soil and reduce waste. But, when harmful chemicals enter the equation, they undermine those efforts.
Fortunately, not all compostable products contain PFAS. The key to identifying safe and truly compostable serving ware lies in certification. One of the most reliable certifications to look for is the BPI-Compostable Certification. Products with this label have undergone rigorous testing. The tests ensure they meet strict compostability standards. They also check for harmful chemicals like PFAS.
When choosing compostable plates and utensils for your next event, look for products with the BPI-Compostable Certification. By doing so, you're protecting the health of your compost pile and the soil it nourishes. You are also reducing your environmental footprint. We, at Fertile Ground sell EcoProducts with the BPI-Compostable Certification. You can not only buy these products but also drop off your compostables at our facility to be composted!
Be aware of Green Washing
The compostable conundrum highlights the importance of scrutinizing eco-friendly claims. It also shows the need to look beyond surface-level green (washing) marketing. Compostable plates may seem sustainable, but PFAS presence shows the need for more transparency and accountability in their production and labeling. Consumers can play a proactive role in protecting our planet for future generations by choosing BPI-certified compostable serving ware. This promotes sustainable solutions. Need compostable products for your next event? Check out our store for all of your compostable needs!
After party
Don’t just throw all of your compostable items in the trash after use. Bring them to us to be composted! When you toss that material into the trash, it ends up in a landfill. So what’s the difference? In a landfill, the material is buried in an anaerobic environment, which will eventually break down but produce methane, a potent greenhouse gas. When you compost the material with us, we ensure it breaks down aerobically, meaning oxygen aids in the decomposition of organic materials. This process produces high-quality compost.
