August 20, 2023

It’s no secret that single-use disposable products are a major environmental problem. Of the 380 million tons of plastic we produce yearly, up to 50% of that is from single-use products. The negative impacts of single-use products on the environment (and the people and animals that live in it) are far-reaching: Because disposable plastic items don’t biodegrade, they end up in our oceans, waterways, and ground soil.

The result? Microplastics in our food, drinking water, and marine life, which we consume through the food chain.

The natural alternative to single-use plastic is compostable, but not all compostable products are created equal. In fact, researchers have found that 60% of compostable plastic products do not biodegrade at all. These “compostable” plastics end up in landfills, releasing methane gas into the atmosphere, leading many to wonder whether or not the plastic industry is greenwashing consumers with their compostable claims.

What is ‘Greenwashing,’ Anyways?

Greenwashing is a tactic used by companies to make their products appear more environmentally friendly than they actually are. Companies use this marketing strategy to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers, but it is also used by companies who are trying to increase their market share.

According to a study conducted by the nonprofit organization Greenpeace, a company can greenwash by engaging in environmental tokenism (such as promoting one 'green' feature or product while ignoring other environmental issues), using vague or broad terms to describe eco-friendly features, using buzzwords, and so much more.

All of these factors contribute to the greenwashing effect and​​ make it difficult for consumers to make informed decisions.

When Compostable Doesn’t Actually Mean ‘Compostable’

One of the most common greenwashing tactics is to claim that a product is “compostable” and “biodegradable,” interchanging the two terms. This is a common tactic used by companies trying to greenwash their products.

Typically, anything that is plant-based, natural-mineral-based, or animal-based is biodegradable. These materials may break down at different rates, but they will eventually undergo a degradation cycle. Compostable items work on a similar cycle, breaking down into natural elements in a compostable environment, usually breaking down completely within 90 days. So what’s the difference?

Although biodegradable items can break down into organic matter, they can take anywhere from a few days to a few hundred years to break down completely. And because many biodegradable products end up in landfills that are so lacking in light, air, and moisture, the breakdown process can be extremely slow. Unlike biodegradable products, compostable items are designed to break down in a specific environment, usually in a composting facility, where there is plenty of oxygen and moisture, and the temperature is optimal for the breakdown process (and usually with the help of human intervention).

The composting process takes place either in residential or commercial composting facilities, where the organic material is mixed with a specific amount of water​​ and heat to facilitate the breakdown process. This process usually takes place over a​​ few weeks to months, depending on the item and its size. The difference between these two processes makes it imperative that businesses are transparent about how their products are made and that consumers are well-informed about the differences between these two types of products.

The VerTerra Difference

Although making an informed decision about what to buy and what to consume can be challenging, at VerTerra we are committed to helping you make the right choice. With our line of sustainable Dinnerware from Fallen Leaves™ you can be sure that you’re getting a quality product that is made from natural, renewable resources. Unlike many other products on the market, VerTerra products are 100% BPI-certified compostable and have been independently tested to ensure that they break down in a commercial compost facility.

See and feel the difference at your next dinner party, family gathering, or holiday celebration. Shop our line of products here.

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