A few weeks ago we made an Instagram post outlining the differences between something being compostable and being biodegradable, with our packaging being compostable we want to go into more depth in the difference between compostable and biodegradable.
We also want to share some simple tips in how to start your own compost to help boost and/or begin your zero-waste lifestyle.
WHAT DOES BIODEGRADABLE MEAN?
If something is biodegradable, it will eventually break down into smaller and smaller pieces by natural processes. Depending on what the item is, it could take anything from 6 months to 1000 years to break down.
This means that, technically, almost any product could be labelled ‘biodegradable’ because most things will break down at some point in the future whether they’re derived from nature, like a banana skin, or made from chemicals.
So the term biodegradable can be misleading and biodegradable materials are not necessarily compostable.
WHAT DOES COMPOSTABLE MEAN?
Compostable materials are materials that have been certified to break down completely into non-toxic components (water, carbon dioxide, and biomass) that will not harm the environment, given the right conditions. The time it takes for something to break down depends largely on the product itself and the composting conditions.
Good news for your green fingers is that our packaging is suitable for home composting with it being made from 100% paper. The time it takes to break down will depend on the conditions of your compost at home.
SIMPLE STEPS TO COMPOST
Closed compost bins are often most popular, especially if you are worried about the look (and smell) of your bin. Find a bin that’s about the height of your waist, too small and you might find that the composting process doesn’t work as well.
Once you’ve started filling your compost bin it won’t be so easy to move so you’ll also want to make sure you choose a place where you can easily add ingredients to the bin and get the compost out.
WHAT CAN I COMPOST?
Fruit scraps and vegetable peelings
Garden and house plants
Grass cuttings/leaves
Hedge and woody trimmings like roses
Tea leaves/bags and coffee grounds
Young annual weeds
Paper items
WHAT CANT I COMPOST?
Cooked food
Raw meat and fish (including bones)
Dairy products
Bread and bakery products
Diseased plants
Coal or ash (a small amount of wood ash is ok)
Cat or dog waste
Nappies, glass, plastic, or metal
Here at zerolla we’re big on practising what we preach… for this reason we will now be starting our own compost to document how our packaging decomposes. Pay close attention to our instagram stories for weekly updates from start to finish!
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