Which are biodegradable products in daily life?

With the enhancement of environmental awareness, more and more biodegradable products have entered our daily lives. But have you really recognized all of them? Today, let's take a look at those "little environmental experts" hidden in our daily lives.

I. What is true biodegradation?

Compared with the characteristic of traditional plastics that they do not decay for a thousand years, biodegradable products can be decomposed by microorganisms into harmless substances under specific conditions, reducing pollution from the source. They are no longer niche options but have permeated multiple scenarios such as dining, home life, and travel. However, they are often overlooked by us. Many people mistakenly believe that "biodegradable" means "it can rot at will if thrown away casually", but this is not the case. True biodegradation refers to the process in which organic materials, under the action of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and algae, undergo a series of complex biochemical reactions and eventually decompose into inorganic substances that are harmless to the environment, such as carbon dioxide, water and minerals.

Second, these biodegradable products are the most common in daily life

(1) Catering scenarios: From tableware to packaging, the entire chain is environmentally friendly

Disposable tableware: PLA (polylactic acid) material straws, lunch boxes and water cups are the mainstream. The raw material is corn starch, and it can withstand high temperatures up to 120℃, making it suitable for hot drinks and takeout. Many chain milk tea shops and coffee shops have completely replaced this type of straw, which feels thicker than traditional plastic.

2. Food packaging: Degradable cling film, food storage bags and bread bags are very common. Some of them are made of PBAT+PLA composite material, which can both preserve food and degrade it. There are also "edible packaging" made from extracts of shrimp and crab shells. After wrapping fruits and snacks, they can be eaten directly without any residue.

3. Takeout packages: Besides food containers, many merchants have also replaced their disposable gloves and takeout bags with biodegradable ones. The packaging will clearly indicate "compostable" and "biodegradable".

(2) Home Scene: Small items hide great environmental protection

1. Cleaning category: Biodegradable garbage bags (especially pet poop bags), dishcloths, and rags, made of PBAT material, are strong and not easy to break. After use, they can be thrown into kitchen waste for degradation. There is also a degradable laundry gel bead outer film that dissolves in water immediately and leaves no residue or pollution.

2. Hygiene products: Some brands of sanitary napkins, pads and baby diapers use biodegradable plant fiber surface and bottom films to reduce plastic residues in traditional hygiene products. Disposable face towels also come in biodegradable versions, which are as soft as the regular ones.

3. Gardening category: Many seedling POTS and nutrition cups used for growing flowers at home are made of corn starch. When transplanting, they can be directly buried in the soil to degrade and also provide nutrients for the plants. There are also biodegradable options for outdoor gardening weed control films and binding ropes.

(3) Travel and Other Scenarios: Don't overlook these "hidden models"

1. Travel-related: Disposable paper cups and paper bags provided by high-speed railway stations and airports, some of which are made of biodegradable materials; The waterproof fabric of the bike baskets of shared bikes and some outdoor tent fabrics are made of degradable polyester materials, which are easy to dispose of after being discarded.

2. Medical scenarios: The medical cotton swabs, gauze, and the outer layer of disposable masks (for some brands) that we may come into contact with are made of biodegradable medical-grade materials. After professional treatment, they can be quickly degraded, reducing the pressure of medical waste.

3. Festival scenarios: During the Spring Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival, many paper red envelopes and gift boxes have been coated with degradable materials, which not only ensure the texture but also reduce packaging waste. Some balloons and ribbons also have biodegradable versions, which are suitable for family gatherings.