Environment-friendly and -safe products are those which are made of naturally processed ingredients and do not contain any synthetic components. These products degrade or are broken down through bio-physiological and bio-chemical processes. Some kinds of organisms such as bacteria and fungi digest and turn the biodegradable matter into eco-friendly waste. The following points present us with important and interesting facts regarding the biodegradable materials and products that safeguard and improve our ecological niches and global environment:
• These products are best known for their ability to decompose or degrade into natural and non-toxic elements and substances which then blend with the soil, water, and air.
• These products can be recycled and reverted into their previous forms. The recycled product can be reused to produce other products. For instance, paper is a biodegradable product which is made up of wood pulp. When used and discarded paper is recycled, it can be once again converted into reusable paper. The reusable paper can be made into notebook pages, cards, paper cups, bags, coffee mug holders, and many other items.
• These products do not harm or affect the populations of friendly organisms, flora, and fauna in soil and water ecosystems, which are often endangered due to the toxicity of synthetic products.
• These products do not contain or release toxins or chemicals that dissipate into the surrounding soil, which then seep into the water table and eventually contaminate as well as poison the natural resources.
Some of the major eco-friendly products are listed in the subsequent sections:
1. Paper:
• In our daily activities, we use paper in many forms for multiple purposes. Very commonly used paper forms are paper towels, napkins, notebooks, newspaper, postal mail, brown paper bags, food packaging cartons, paper plates, and cups.
• Since we are highly dependent on the paper products, “reuse and recycle” is a best practice that we can adopt to reduce paper wastage and piling up of garbage.
• We must discard used paper in a recycle bin, so that it can be cleansed, processed, and recycled into reusable paper.
• Recycling paper creates no pollution and prevents the cutting down of more trees. As paper is derived from tree pulp, many trees need to be permanently destroyed. If used paper is recycled and reused, we can stop deforestation and develop natural ecosystems.
2. Natural Fabric:
• The most popular natural fibres that are used to produce clothes and fabrics are cotton, jute, linen, hemp, wool, and silk.
• Natural fabrics, except silk, are very economical, comfortable to wear, and breathable.
• Natural fabrics are biodegradable and do not undergo synthetic processing unlike their synthetic counterparts such as nylon, polyester, rexin, and lycra,.
• The main benefit of these products is that, they are skin-friendly and do not produce toxic by-products.
• A vast range of products are being produced using these fabrics. Clothing includes cotton and linen pants, shirts, skirts, and tops. Other natural fabrics are being used to make bed and cushion covers, tablecloth, curtains, bathing towels, floor mats, etc.
• Jute, hemp, cotton canvas, and bamboo are being used to prepare reusable and recyclable bags and baskets. These products remain intact and durable for long time periods and are strong and sturdy to carry heavy groceries or goods.
3. Organic compost and manure:
• Many agricultural farms are utilising decomposed vegetable and waste food matter to nourish and improve the fertility of the soil.
• Our daily kitchen waste such as vegetable peels, bones, eggshells, and waste foods are biodegradable and can be used as fertilizer for mixing with the soil in our gardens and parks. This waste contains nutrients which are much-needed for the growth of plants.
• Most of the fresh vegetable waste can be used as fodder for cattle animals, such as cows, horses, poultry, and pigs.
• The practice of using organic manure will reduce the use of synthetic and chemical fertilisers that cause biomagnification in the food chains of ecological niches.
In recent times, many innovative and practical ideas are being developed and executed in order to produce a variety of amazing products. There are many new eco-friendly items which have been recently introduced into the market. We need to wisely choose and select the required products after checking the label and make sure that we are actually purchasing products that are biodegradable and do not contain artificial ingredients. The list below informs you about such improved items.
• Biodegradable detergent and soap
• Lemon batteries
• Beeswax
• Stationary such as pencils, folders and erasers
• Plant pesticides and flower pots
• Jute curtains
• Cups, plates and other utensils
• Glue and paint
• Hair care products
• Cosmetic products
• Compost bins
Globally, the increasing awareness and the urgency of our times against synthetic products, are inspiring many start-up and manufacturing companies to produce and supply green and innovative, eco-friendly as well as affordable products. These products are equally effective and long-lasting compared to their artificial counter parts. Therefore, it is our responsibility to make a logical choice and introduce biodegradable items into our daily life and help make the Earth a more green and safe haven.