Let me tell you about the worst car-buying experience I’ve ever had.
Last spring I was looking for a used Toyota Prius (of course). I found one for sale at a dealership in the west Indy suburb of Avon, so after work one April evening I drove out to look at the vehicle.
The salesman retrieved the Prius from the lot and pulled it up to the curb, then went inside the dealership to give me a few minutes to check out the car.
The Prius looked like it had been used as a bumper car. There were scratches and dents on every side. It was missing all four hubcaps. The previous owner had clearly not taken any care with the vehicle, and I very quickly saw all I needed to see.
The salesman returned and I commented on the obvious body damage. He began telling me about the vehicle’s extensive power train warranty that would last for 3 years or 200,000 miles.
I asked, “Does the warranty cover the body damage?”
Appearing not to hear my question, the salesman pointed out the other features of the vehicle, like the keyless entry and Bluetooth sound system, and reiterated the countless benefits of the power train warranty.
Again I asked if the warranty would cover the body damage. Finally, the salesman awkwardly admitted that it would not. But here’s why you should buy the car anyway…
When you’re planning to compost at your event, choosing compostable event supplies can feel a lot like this car-buying experience.
Like the car salesman, the makers of disposable food & beverage serviceware are first and foremost interested in selling their products. Because of the current cultural backlash against single-use disposable products, many of these companies now make green claims in order to make their products seem like a sustainable choice. But which claims are actually relevant to what you need for your event’s composting program?
Here are 3 traps to avoid when choosing compostable event supplies:
Degradable
The term “degradable” simply indicates that a material is capable of being decomposed, whether by biological or chemical means. This term does not indicate what conditions are required for the material to break down, and it doesn’t indicate how long that process will take. Some materials may take hundreds of years to degrade. As a result, materials labeled only as “degradable” should not be composted.
Biodegradable
This term is very similar to “degradable.” The main difference is that biodegradable materials can be decomposed through specifically biological means, such as bacteria. But again, this phrase includes no guarantee that decomposition will happen in a reasonable time frame. Biodegrading can take some materials hundreds of years. Therefore, materials labeled only as “biodegradable” should also not be composted.
Made With Natural or Renewable Materials
Many disposable serviceware products, particularly eating utensils, incorporate a percentage of “natural,” plant-based, or renewable materials, such as plant starch or corn. However, these materials are typically mixed with conventional plastic to make the utensils stronger, rendering them unsuitable for composting. A claim that says “Made With Corn” or some other renewable material doesn’t mean the product is 100% plant-based or compostable.
So if these phrases don’t mean anything for your composting program, what should you look for? To truly divert waste via composting, you need to choose products that have been proven to break down in a compost pile in a reasonable amount of time. Here are two reliable ways to identify a truly compostable product:
BPI Certified
The Biodegradable Products Institute, or BPI, is the leading certifier of compostable products and packaging in North America. I know we just debunked the term “biodegradable,” but despite this organization’s confusing name, their certification is trustworthy for compostability. Look for products carrying the BPI certified compostable logo.
ASTM Certified
ASTM International is an organization focused on developing standards for the manufacturing of many different materials and products. D6400 and D6868 are the two ASTM standards that apply to compostable products. (Products will usually be tested to one standard or the other and don’t need both in order to be considered compostable.) Manufacturers don’t always publish the number of the specific standard to which their product was tested, but generally, “ASTM certified compostable” is a credible claim.
And of course, when in doubt, it’s always best to check with your specific compost facility about what products and materials they will—and won’t—accept.
Have you experienced the confusion of misleading green marketing? What other terms and phrases leave you scratching your head? Leave a comment and let me know!
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