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One of the best ways to make any home or event more Earth-friendly is to use biodegradable products. Next time you a hosting an event and want disposable household products, opt-for the sustainable option and reduce the amount of waste produced.
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Top 7 Biodegradable Products for Everyday Household Use
Relevance of Biodegradable Products
Plastic one-time-use items significantly contribute to a household's total waste production. People use plastic plates, utensils, and cups to host parties and events; restaurants use plastic so patrons have a convenient way to clean after eating. While these practice can make things easier, they also contribute to the total amount of waste generated annually. Luckily, there is a solution, and you can implement it by simply making small changes in your weekly shopping trip. The solution is biodegradable alternatives.
Biodegradable products are those designed to be compostable. They break down into their base nutrients and return to the soil as a fertilizer, rather than sitting in a landfill for years as single-use plastics do. Biodegradation releases the materials back into the natural ecosystem so they can be reused and re-assimilated into ecological systems. By using biodegradable products, you can ensure that you are doing your part in limiting the spread of single-use plastics.
In searching for biodegradable products, one major thing to look out for is compostable integrity. This means that some products may be 'certified compostable' at an industrial level, but are not necessarily ideal for at-home use. They will still break down in commercial or at-home compost bins, but it may take extra time than the rest of your compost.
Biodegradable Utensils
The first type of product we want to talk about is utensils. When I think of single-use plastics, one of the first things that comes to mind is the plastic forks and knives we commonly use when eating at restaurants, or when having lots of people over. And this is totally understandable, these products simplify the clean up process. For a lot of us, it can reduce stress and allow us to open ourselves to enjoying the moment without having to worry about cleaning up. While these products are bad for the environment, there is a reason why they fly off the shelves.
However, there are some GREAT alternatives to plastic utensils that will help you keep peace of mind while also being sustainable for the environment. Its a win-win situation.
Our pick is Greenworks. This company has an affordable, compostable utensils pack with 150 utensils. This brand has been certified by the BPI, OK compost, and DIN Certco (click to learn more about how these certifications work). Greenworks is plant-based and can help you cut down on waste produced at any events you host.
However, another common material for these products is bamboo. For those that prefer the bamboo utensils, or would like to try them, we recommend Bamboodlers. They are a BPA free wooden utensil that uses all natural sources. They are highly rated and 100% compostable. Certain to be a staple at your next event.
Biodegradable Cups
Next, lets talk about drinkware. We all love a good red solo cup, but they're definitely not eco-friendly. To replace them, and level up your parties and get togethers, we recommend cups from Repurpose Compostable. Their 16 oz cups are BPI certified and have no BPAs. They are 100% petroleum free and commercially compostable in under 200 days. They are perfect for large gatherings and celebrations. However, you should be aware they are for cold drinks only! Check out our pick below!
Biodegradable Plates
To complete the houseware set, let's dive into looking at options for biodegradable plates. While paper plates are decomposable innately, often they are reinforced with other materials which may not decompose so easily. For example, a lot of them contain plastic, and with it, harmful PFAS chemicals which can enter the bloodstream and circulate for years, causing a variety of health problems.
If you are looking for a better alternative, look no further. We recommend these 9in plates from Amazon. They are paper plates made from sugarcane bagasse and BPI certified compostable. They are BPA free, microwavable, freeze safe and water resistant. These plates are green, durable replacements for the plastic-covered alternatives in most stores.
This product is certified Vitallis Blog owned and recommended!
Biodegradable Trash Bags
Now, how are we going to clean up after our gathering? By putting them in a plastic trash bag? We think not. We recommend Emily's Choice instead. These bags are 50-65L or 13-17gal depending on what system you follow. They are made to be heavy duty, meaning no worries about the bag ripping during your event. Furthermore, the handles are flexible and easy to tie, making it the perfect option for collecting food waste at your next event!
Biodegradable Sponges
Continuing the clean up process, say we chose to forgo the single-use plates and used reusable dish ware (the best option in our opinion), we have to clean it somehow. For sustainable sponges, we recommend AIRNEX. AIRNEX makes sponges with coconut fibers for a durable, natural alternative to traditional store-bought sponges. The coconut fibers scrape off food while protecting your pots, pans, and plates. Its cellulose side is made to dry quickly to prevent bad smells, bacterial growth, and be gentle on your skin. This may make them last longer as well. They are not only highly rated, but Amazon's choice for biodegradable home products.
Biodegradable Dog Bags
This is for all of our dog lovers out there, who know the struggle of taking the dog out for a W-A-L-K. For sustainable dog bags, we recommend Give a SH. They have a cute brand and are certified by DIN Certco. Their doggy bags are made of cornstarch and designed to fit into standard bag holders. Their packaging is made from recycled materials and 10% of all profits are donated to the Soi Dog Foundation and their quest to end animal suffering. Do good for the planet and the creatures on it by getting your doggy bags here. Overall just an incredible brand!
Biodegradable Laundry Detergent
Lastly, let's talk about detergents. Unfortunately many detergents out there can be irritating to the skin and can be full of toxic chemicals and dyes. This can leave some of us feeling not our best. Fortunately, there are some better options out there that are getting better every day.
For a natural and sustainable laundry detergent, we recommend Earth Breeze Eco Sheets. The directions are clear and their packaging removes the need for large plastic jugs that take up needless space and ultimately just sit in landfills. They have several different scents and have pledged to donate 10 loads worth of detergent for every purchase made. To cap it off they have +80,000 positive reviews on Amazon, so if your anything like the other users of this brand, you'll probably love it!
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed our picks for Top 7 Biodegradable Products for Everyday Household Use. These are easy ways to keep your household running smoothly and sustainably without drastically changing your daily habits. Remember, when put together, small solutions make a big impact! We believe everybody should use sustainable products for a better world and better future. If you have any comments to share about these suggestions, please let us know. Let's work on building better tomorrows together, today!
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