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7 Reasons Compostable Materials Are the Future of Sustainable Living
In the fight against plastic pollution, finding sustainable solutions for packaging and waste management has become crucial. While recycling has played a positive role in reducing waste by allowing materials to be reused, its limitations mean we need to look for alternatives.
Compostable materials are emerging as a key part of this sustainable future. They provide a fully circular solution that benefits the environment by returning resources back to the earth.
Recycling: A Step in the Right Direction, But with Limits
Recycling has allowed us to extend the life of plastic and other materials, reducing the amount of waste that goes directly into landfills. However, the reality of recycling is that materials can only be processed a limited number of times before they lose quality and can no longer be reused. This limitation prevents recycling from being a complete solution to waste and pollution issues.
Compostable Materials: The Better Solution for a Circular Economy
Compostable materials create a fully circular economy by allowing products to decompose naturally and return to the earth as nutrients, unlike materials that degrade with each recycle. Here are seven compelling reasons why composting is the future:
1. Lower Costs
The cost of collecting and disposing of recycling is about 7 times higher than for composting. Recycling costs around $166 per ton, whereas composting costs just $23 per ton. Composting at home, moreover, is completely free, making it a cost-effective alternative.
2. Sourced from Natural Materials
Compostable materials are made from renewable, natural sources like corn starch, sugar cane, and canola oil. The production of these materials is carbon neutral, meaning they don’t have a negative impact on the planet. Traditional plastics, on the other hand, release toxic chemicals during production that harm the environment.
3. Easily Done at Home
Composting can be done at home without any special equipment, making it a sustainable choice for everyone. Plus, composting at home produces nutrient-rich soil for gardening, which is a beneficial by-product that recycling simply can’t offer.
4. Higher Quality Materials
Recycling produces materials of lower quality after each cycle, which affects the durability and quality of the products made from them. Compostable materials, however, are always produced from fresh sources, ensuring high-quality end products without degradation over time.
5. Reduces Waste in Landfills
Over 50% of landfill waste is compostable, primarily food scraps. By composting this waste instead, we can significantly reduce the volume of waste in landfills, preserving valuable land space and minimising environmental impact.
6. Enriches Soil Health
Compost is rich in nutrients from decaying organic matter, which benefits soil health. These nutrients promote plant growth and strengthen microbial communities, supporting healthier ecosystems.
7. Reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions
When organic materials decompose in landfills, they release methane gas, a powerful greenhouse gas contributing to global warming. Proper composting, however, allows carbon to be stored in the soil rather than released into the atmosphere, making composting an eco-friendly way to manage waste.
What Kōrure Does to Support a Sustainable Future
Though compostable packaging may feel new or unfamiliar, composting is one of nature's oldest recycling systems and has been happening naturally since plants first appeared on Earth. At Kōrure, we’re committed to harnessing this natural process to offer the convenience of single-use products while also protecting our planet.
Recycling has been a crucial first step in addressing pollution and waste issues, but now it’s time to advance to better solutions. By embracing compostable materials, we can take significant steps towards a healthier, more sustainable future. This is why we strive to provide as much compostable packaging as possible—so we can meet our needs while respecting the environment.