If you’re looking to give your cleaning routine an eco-friendly upgrade, here is a list of some biodegradable products that are essential to a sustainable household. But first: let’s also define what makes a product biodegradable, as well dive into how they help the environment.
List of Biodegradable Products
- Everyday Surface Cleaner
- Three Bluebirds Swedish Dishcloths
- Biodegradable Cleaning Wipes
- Plant-Based Bamboo Toothbrushes
- Waffle Towels
- Disposable Microfiber cloth
- EcoCoconut Kitchen Cleaning Brush
- Reusable Silicone Pouches
- Reusable Beeswax Food Wraps
- Sustainable Bamboo Sheets
*descriptions below
What is Considered a Biodegradable Product?
A biodegradable product is a material or item that can naturally decompose into harmless substances, such as water, carbon dioxide, and organic matter, through the action of microorganisms like bacteria and fungi. These products break down efficiently without causing environmental harm, usually within a few months to a few years, depending on the conditions.
Biodegradable products are typically made from natural materials, including plant-based substances (e.g., wood, paper, cotton, and cornstarch) or certain bioplastics designed to decompose more quickly than traditional plastics.
For a product to be considered biodegradable, it must degrade completely and safely in a reasonable timeframe under typical environmental conditions. Note: some products labeled as "biodegradable" may require specific conditions, such as industrial composting facilities, to break down effectively, which may not always be available.
Examples of Biodegradable Products
- Paper Products: Items like paper towels, napkins, cardboard, and paper packaging decompose naturally when exposed to moisture and microorganisms.
- Food Waste: Organic waste such as fruit peels, vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and eggshells are biodegradable and decompose into nutrient-rich compost.
- Cotton and Wool Fabrics: Natural fibers like cotton and wool break down over time, especially in composting conditions, unlike synthetic materials.
- Biodegradable Plastics: Some bioplastics, made from materials like cornstarch or potato starch, are designed to degrade more quickly than conventional plastics or waste.
- Wood and Bamboo Products: Similar to paper, items like wooden cutlery, bamboo toothbrushes, and chopsticks are biodegradable, breaking down naturally in soil or compost.
10 Biodegradable Products For Your Home
1. Puracy Everyday Surface Cleaner
If you’re looking for a versatile all-purpose cleaner, look no further than Puracy’s Everyday Cleaner for a 100% biodegradable formula and plant-powered ingredients. Best of all, you can even further reduce waste with its concentrated formula, which means you can clean more while using less.
2. Three Bluebirds Swedish Dishcloths
These biodegradable dishcloths are fast-drying and made from cotton, and they don’t get mildewy or funky smelling after multiple washes. Keep a few around to ensure that handwashing dishes is as eco-friendly as possible, as well as an alternative to single-use paper towels.
3. Biodegradable Cleaning Wipes
If you need to wipe something down quickly, L’Avant Biodegradable Wipes are made from a mesh material and plant-based ingredients and are a green alternative to paper wipes. Best of all, they’re also fragrance free and certified cruelty-free.
4. Plant-Based Bamboo Toothbrushes
Need to use a toothbrush to clean small corners or crevices? Use a biodegradable bamboo toothbrush, in which every component of this eco-friendly brush is plant-based, including the bristles, handle, and box.
5. Waffle Towels
These sturdy, biodegradable waffle towels are super thick and absorbent and an eco-friendly alternative to cotton towels and paper towels. They're 100% plant-based, as well as hypoallergenic and plastic-free.
6. Vivelle Biomop Disposable Microfiber Cloth
Want to mop your floor while saving the planet? It’s possible to find a mop head that is also eco-friendly. The Vivelle Biomop is a disposable microfiber cloth that is compostable and therefore biodegradable.
7. EcoCoconut Kitchen Cleaning Brush
Did you know your kitchen chores can also do their small part to contribute to a sustainable future? This biodegradable and highly durable multipurpose cleaning brush brings a sustainable aspect to your kitchen duties. Its functional design also ensures a superior clean for your dishes.
8. Silicone Pouches
Keep your food storage sustainable with Ever Eco’s Reusable Silicone Pouches. Made from premium food grade silicone, these dishwasher-safe storage solutions ensure your food stays fresh without the use of single-use plastic.
9. Reusable Beeswax Wraps
If you’re packing school lunches or just need something light to wrap up a quick snack, these reusable beeswax wraps are the perfect eco-friendly solution Not only do these reduce your plastic use, but they also come in adorable designs that stand out amidst boring Tupperware.
10. Bamboo Bed Sheets
You can ensure your bed linens are sustainably made with these soft bamboo bed sheets. Made with natural bamboo, these sheets are cool and soft, making it perfect for warmer weather as well as those with sensitive skin.
How Do Biodegradable Products Help the Environment?
- Reduced Pollution: Unlike non-biodegradable materials, such as traditional plastics, biodegradable products (such as food scraps or paper) break down naturally into non-toxic components. This reduces pollution in landfills, oceans, and other natural environments, preventing harm to wildlife and ecosystems.
- Lower Greenhouse Gas Emissions: As biodegradable products decompose, they typically emit fewer greenhouse gasses compared to non-biodegradable products. Some biodegradable materials, like certain bioplastics, can also reduce dependency on fossil fuels, further lowering carbon emissions.
Enhanced Soil Health: Biodegradable products, particularly organic waste like food scraps, paper, and natural fibers, can be composted to create nutrient-rich compost. This compost enriches soil by adding essential nutrients, improving soil structure, and increasing its water retention capacity, promoting plant growth and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.
- Conservation of Natural Resources: Many biodegradable products are made from renewable resources, such as plant-based materials, which can be regenerated relatively quickly. Using these products reduces reliance on finite resources, like petroleum, used to produce conventional plastics. Additionally, some biodegradable items, like bamboo or hemp products, come from plants that grow rapidly and require minimal resources, promoting sustainable consumption.
