Compostable Plastics: The Questionable Eco-Hero

Compostable plastics have appeared in grocery stores and takeout bags as an appealing alternative to traditional disposables. Cups, utensils, straws, and food scrap bags made from materials like corn, sugarcane, or even certain fossil fuel-based polymers are marketed as items that will break down into harmless components under the right conditions. The idea sounds straightforward and environmentally friendly, but the reality is more nuanced.

Despite their promising labels, many compostable plastics never actually get composted. Commercial composting facilities receive a mix of food scraps, yard trimmings, and food soiled paper which makes it difficult for workers to distinguish between compostable plastics and conventional. As a result, all compostable plastics, including compostable bags are removed, often with their contents still inside, causing food scraps that could have been composted to be discarded into the landfill.

Even when compostable plastics do make it into a composting system, research shows they may not fully break down, leaving behind tiny particles of plastic, known as microplastics, that are difficult to remove. These particles can enter soil and waterways where plants and marine life uptake them, raising similar concerns, if not worse than conventional plastics.

Compostable plastic does not replenish nutrients back into our soils. In fact, it is an unwanted product by farmers because it contaminates the soil.

Ultimately, the core issue isn't the material itself but the reliance on single-use items. So, what can you do to help?

According to StopWaste, the solution is simple- reduce disposables and choose reusables when possible. Consider the following the next time you eat:

• Skip the extra napkins, utensils, and straws in takeout orders.

• Use reusable plates, cups, and containers at home and events.

• Choose paper or natural fiber products when reusables aren't an option.

• Collect food scraps in a bowl, paper bag, or nothing at all-no compostable liner required.

In the end, compostable plastics may look like eco-heroes, but the real method to be an eco-hero is by reducing waste at the source. Visit StopWaste's website to learn more about compostable plastics.