10 Biodegradable Alternatives to Consider Instead of Plastic

Plastics are ubiquitous in today’s society. They are used in everything from packaging to building materials. While they are durable and versatile, they are also a major source of pollution. Fortunately, there are many biodegradable alternatives to plastic. These materials are made from renewable resources and can be broken down by bacteria or other organisms. Here are 10 of the most promising biodegradable materials:

1. Polylactic Acid

Polylactic acid is made from fermented starch derived from genetically modified corn. Unlike plastic, PLA is easily biodegradable in a composting environment. Owing to the fact that PLA is made from plants that are carbon-absorbing, this plastic alternative is carbon neutral, and as a result, it reduces the emission of greenhouse gases. Among its many uses is the production of biodegradable garbage bags. However, despite polylactic acid holding the upper hand when compared to plastic, its biodegradability in a landfill or bin is relatively slow, which makes industrial composting best when disposing of PLA.

2. Cellulose Fiber

With alternatives such as card and paper not offering the transparency and durability provided by plastics, cellulose fiber becomes the perfect packaging to ensure biodegradability and strength. Made from wood-derived fiber, this alternative to plastic is sustainable with proper tree management measures in place. Since it is regarded as the globe’s most advanced biomass matter, with eco-friendliness right from production to disposal, cellulose fiber is taking over from plastics, being used to manufacture a variety of everyday use products ranging from food containers to screens on digital devices.

3. Natural Rubber Latex

Natural rubber latex, which is derived from rubber-producing trees through a process known as tapping, is becoming more preferred due to its biodegradability, eco-efficient production, and carbon-negative nature. Production of the material is sustainable as trees are not cut down to facilitate its extraction. Natural rubber latex is a great alternative to natural leather produced from animal skins and plastic-based leather.

4. Wool

Unlike its synthetic alternatives, mainly plastic, wool, a naturally occurring fiber, only takes a fraction of the time synthetic fibers take to degrade. Wool, made of a natural protein known as keratin, decomposes over a period of months in soil, releasing much-needed plant nutrients.

5. Jute

Jute counters the threat that plastics pose to the environment by offering alternatives, mostly shopping bags made out of material that is derived from specific flowering plants. Jute bags are inexpensive, durable, and, most importantly, naturally biodegradable, which makes it a no-brainer to choose jute bags over plastic carrier bags.

6. Beeswax

Wraps made out of beeswax as one of the components are far better than plastics or aluminum foils. They are biodegradable, waterproof, keep bacteria and other micro-organisms at bay, and have zero likelihood of emitting unwanted chemicals to your food, unlike plastics. Additionally, they are easily reusable as they only need to be cleaned and air dried for reuse.

7. Wood

If you are passionate about saving the planet and conserving the environment, turning to wood instead of plastic or metal for flooring, furniture, and doors is the way to go. The fact that wood stores carbon for years and the energy used in the production of wooden products is far less in comparison to plastic or aluminum makes it a suitable alternative.

8. Bamboo

Bamboo is naturally occurring, has antifungal and antibacterial properties, is renewable, and is easily biodegradable, which tackles the issues of landfill which has in the recent past choked our surroundings. Bamboo products are very durable, while the plant itself, once harvested for production, does not need replanting, has a relatively short maturation period, and grows in a variety of environments across the world.

9. Ceramics

Ceramics are made of material derived from the earth’s crust and is far better than plastics and products made from other materials such as wood or metal due to their durability. In addition to this, ceramics are rarely tossed away, and even when they are disposed of, they are relatively benign and do not pose a threat to the environment. Although a lot of energy is used in their production, few alternatives exist that can match ceramics’ eco-friendly nature and durability.

10. Cotton

Another popular alternative that can help you reduce your reliance on single-use plastics is cotton. Cotton fibers are almost entirely cellulose based. Bioplastics derived from cellulose are biodegradable in composting facilities and bins or landfills. Compared to their biodegradable counterparts, bioplastics made out of cellulose decompose completely in a month or less in landfills and bins.

Biodegradable alternatives to plastic are a promising new trend in the world of environmentalism. These materials are environmentally friendly and can be processed into new products. If you are an environmental enthusiast, the above are some of the alternatives to pursue instead of plastics.