When biodegradable materials disappear?
Biodegradable materials are those that can be broken down in the environment. This means that they do not leave toxic residues or pollute the soil. For this reason, they are increasingly used in various sectors. They are even very popular in the field of ecology and have made the planet a more sustainable place.
However, how long do they take to disappear? Is there any biodegradable material that never degrades? Discover everything related to biodegradable materials in this article, which will undoubtedly solve your doubts regarding the disappearance of biodegradable objects.
What are biodegradable materials?
Biodegradable materials are materials that can be degraded in the environment by the action of microorganisms. This means that, through the action of these living beings, they break down and become simpler substances that can be assimilated by the environment. Which is a very positive point, since they do not leave toxic residues that can harm the environment.
What is the process of biodegradable materials?
The simple process of biodegradable materials is that they break down into small molecules to be absorbed by the environment. This means that these materials gradually dissolve in the presence of water, oxygen, and microorganisms. In fact, some biodegradable objects can take weeks, months or years to completely disappear. But they are better options than those that cannot be degraded like non-biodegradable plastics and toxic materials.
Disappearance of biodegradable objects
To understand about the disappearance of biodegradable objects, it should be known that compared to non-biodegradable objects, these take much longer to disappear from the earth. Now we will see some of the biodegradable objects and the time of their disappearance in the environment.
Wool
In view of its naturalness, wool disappears quickly and easily. Thanks to the animal fiber, they turn yellowish and make degradation easier, which leads to photochemistry, in other words, light acts as a catalyst. This time can take up to 1 year to fully decompose.
Cotton
Cotton is one of the biodegradable materials fastest disappearance of biodegradable objects whose span is about 5 months, so it is very short. Great option for making cotton-based products.
Leather
Natural leather can degrade quickly, from 3 to 4 years. However, artificial or synthetic leather, such as leather shoes, can take between 25 and 40 years to disappear from the planet. What destroys the ecosystem, a good recycling plan could also help to save the earth from pollution.
Paper
Paper has a cellulose component, which is quickly attacked by bacteria, and in the paper degradation process, moisture is also included as an essential aspect in its disappearance. The maximum time for biodegradable materials such as paper to disappear is 6 months.
Wood
Regarding wood, we know that it is one of the biodegradable materials most natural. However, the disappearance of biodegradable objects made from wood will depend on the quality of the wood and its composition. Which, its time in decomposition can vary and this can go from months to many years.
Vegetable and fruit peels
Fruit and vegetable peels, as they are natural, can degrade in times from 5 days to six months. So, they are ideal for composting at home and taking advantage of their benefits for home crops.
Starch and wheat
You may wonder how long it takes for plastic to disappear, this type of plastic is used to make disposable bags and can take between 6 to 24 months, that is, 2 years to completely disappear. But normal plastic can take up to 300 to 350 years to break down. For this reason, it is advisable to evaluate biodegradable materials.
Rye starch plastics
The disappearance time of biodegradable plastics, as for rye starch, is a maximum of six months. All thanks to the granular substances that these biodegradable materials.
On the other hand, there are other biodegradable materials, where they create feasible products for the planet earth, such as: biodegradable soaps and detergents (they do not contaminate soil or water). Also beeswax, pots, vegetable-based pesticides, biodegradable glues and paints, hair items, jute bags and curtains; cardboard and eggshells, which can also be used to make homemade compost.
Solution of biodegradable materials for the world
Biodegradable materials have been used to keep the planet safe from pollution, excess exploitation of natural resources and a great alternative for those products that are not biodegradable and are highly toxic to the ecosystem.
Therefore, it is a viable solution for everyone. That is why, in many countries, they have sought to manufacture biodegradable products to promote awareness of the little ones at home and of course adults as well. Life on the planet depends on the human being and their love to do what is right.
On the other hand, recycling also goes hand in hand with the manufacture of biodegradable materials, since, if at the end of the useful life of a material and it can be recycled, it is also an aspect in favor of the planet. And what about those objects that cannot be recycled? Precisely biodegradation enters into this next process. So, together, they can make the world a much cleaner and better place.
In short, biodegradable materials are vital to not do so much damage to the entire world, so that there is better health and clean air on the planet. One of the ways to help is to buy these types of products and if you don’t have them try recycling and with Juniors Recycling you can do it.
They are a well-known recycling agency in Mesa, Arizona, but they do work for other cities as well. Do not hesitate to contact us and rest assured that you will get the best care to recycle your waste.
