Single-use plastic products play a significant role in litter issues throughout Canada, but according to a recent investigation by “Marketplace,” compostable alternatives may not be the eco-friendly solution they are marketed to be. With government bans on various single-use plastic items, compostable products have gained popularity. However, the study conducted by “Marketplace” revealed that these substitutes might not be as environmentally friendly as they appear.
In an experiment to assess the breakdown of compostable items in different environments, “Marketplace” buried items underground, placed them in a backyard composter, and submerged them in a lake. After a 14-week period, only three out of 30 products had completely decomposed. Karen Wirsig from Environmental Defence criticized these products as “single-use garbage,” pointing out that companies are simply shifting the disposal method without addressing the root issue of single-use packaging.
Most compostable items, including coffee lids, wheat straws, plastic bags, plastic spoons, birch forks, and bamboo plates, remained largely intact and identifiable at the end of the experiment. The limited decomposition of these items poses a threat to wildlife, as the fragments can inadvertently become part of the food chain, impacting ecosystems.
Notably, only a few items, such as a paper plate in the lake and paper straw and plate buried underground, fully disintegrated. The study also highlighted the challenges faced by many Canadians in effectively composting these products.
The investigation by “Marketplace” sheds light on the complexities surrounding compostable alternatives and calls for a more comprehensive approach to sustainable packaging solutions.