Compostable Packaging

 

A bit late with the blog this week so a quick one with a link to a source of compostable packaging.  Found this in the "Good" shopping handbook. 

www.friendlypak.co.nz

Biodegradable?

Unrelated to the friendlypak link, but I have included this little section because they use the word biodegradable:

Remember that biodegradable does not always mean safe for the environment so check if its biodegradable and not compostable, what that actually means.  Case and point is the biodegradable plastic bag that you see at many stores these days.  These break down in sunlight to small fragments of plastic which get into the waterways and into the food chains.  If they end up in landfill they don't break down because there is no sunlight.  Both options are not so good! 

The picture below shows a "biodegradable plastic bag", made from oil based plastics breaking down after being left in the sun.  You can see the little pieces of plastic that will blow their way into the waterways..............

This weeks challenges: 

1. To use compostable plates/cutlery if you are having a BBQ or party at your home or workplace and don't have enough plates and to buy food from food sellers that use compostable packaging.
2. To challenge food sellers, that don't use compostable food packaging, to use it too, point them in the direction of this link or others.
3. To make sure you ensure that the packaging is then placed in the compost or green waste bin, not into landfill.  Remember compostable items that go to landfill will cause release of methane which is a powerful greenhouse gas.