The myth hunter #2: Compostable vs. biodegradable
Today we're looking into the difference between the two terms and answering the question should one care about this when shopping?
In today’s issue of the Myth hunter, we’re looking into a common greenwashing trap - compostable and biodegradable products. Even though both imply a product that can degrade in nature, it’s important to point out that even though all compostable products are biodegradable, not all biodegradables are compostable.
Compostable products can break down into natural elements, such as carbon dioxide, water, and organic matter, in a composting environment. The result is nutrient-rich soil, known as compost and most commonly used as fertilizer. Biodegradable products, on the other hand, can break down into natural elements over time, but the complete or rapid breakdown isn’t always guaranteed. Biodegradation can occur quicker in industrial environments, but it can take years or even decades for some materials to fully decompose in nature. Think plastic. Some types of plastic are biodegradable, but it can take hundreds of years for this to happen. Besides, plastic first breaks down into smaller particles called microplastics, which, as we know, can harm the environment and wildlife.
The fashion industry uses many compostable and biodegradable materials. Some companies are creating fabrics made from materials such as bamboo, hemp, and organic cotton, which are compostable in theory. Other companies are developing biodegradable plant-based materials such as mushroom leather. However, the catch is that barely any of these materials can degrade in nature. Most of them need industrial environments.
Let’s say you want to compost your cotton T-shirt. You would start by cutting it into small pieces or shredding it to speed up the decomposition. Then you’d mix the cotton pieces with other organic matter, such as food scraps, yard waste, and dried leaves, in a compost bin or pile. After that, you’d have to turn your compost regularly and ensure it’s moist so the decomposition would go smoothly. The process sounds reasonably easy and much better than sending the T-shirt off to the landfill where, due to the lack of oxygen and sunlight in those giant piles of trash, it wouldn’t decompose nearly as fast and would produce harmful methane. But the problem is, you’ll have trouble finding a garment that can actually be composted regardless of its ‘natural’ fabric. Just because cotton in its natural organic form is compostable, it doesn’t mean your T-shirt is. Cotton is often mixed with synthetic fibers to make it more stretchy, threads used to sew the garment can be polyester, and dyes used can be toxic. And even if you read the label, you won’t know these things because no country requires the manufacturer to display the type of thread they used (to my knowledge, correct me if I’m wrong, please).
Specialized waste facilities are thus the only ones that can appropriately take care of compostable and biodegradable garments. If you can find one in your area willing to take your clothes, that’s great. But I wouldn’t rely on that. The most sustainable thing you can do is buy smarter. Ask the questions if you’re not confident about the origin of your garment - some are fully compostable, but you can’t be sure if the brand isn’t 100% transparent. Choose a piece that will last and take good care of it. Buying less and better is the best way to go. For now.