Can you call a product biodegradable if it never biodegrades? The Federal Trade Commission recently said “no.” They are cracking down on companies like K-Mart for putting biodegradability claims on items like disposable plates. The FTC contends that a biodegradable item must break down in a reasonably short period of time after customary disposal. Although composting rates are on the rise, only about 8% of municipal solid waste in the US is composted. With “customary” disposal being a landfill or incinerator- is anything truly biodegradable?
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F.T.C. Sends Stern Warning On ‘Biodegradable’ Marketing Claims The New York Times, June 2009
Product Sustainability Roundtable
Corporate leaders furthering sustainable product design
I think we need a more intelligent and holistic approach to worn out articles. The smartest concept is presented by "Cradle to Cradle" by Michael Braungart and Bill Mc Donald according to my opinion. They demonstrate the only two sustainable ways to manage waste: By composting or closed loop recycling. The issue of composting is related to the biodegradation rate. This in it´s turn should correspond to the rate of production, otherwise the articles will of course accumulate in the biosphere. So my conclusion is: It should be the responsibility of the producer to prove and demonstrate in what way the degradability rate is acceptable.
ReplyDeleteMagnus Hedenmark, Ecotoxicologist, Sweden
Before we rock the Cradle
ReplyDeleteI’m one for root cause eradication rather that Band-Aid surgery. What do I mean? Well rather than finding ways to deal with the waste let’s first look at why we’re knee deep in garbage and then apply the cure. Let’s visit the cradle.
Prior to the second Great War appliances, garments, vehicles and all round FMCG’s (fast moving consumer goods) were designed to last. The post WWll economy needed a kick start and consumerism was the answer. It sounds rather diabolical but think about it, consumers on a treadmill. How to accelerate the purchasing pace, build in product obsolescence and reduce the robustness, associate status & fulfilment with material goods. The meaning of life just got skewed and consumers became merchandise junkies.
Now fast forward to today’s demographics, increased populations, emerging markets and the fact that the worlds net wealth rests with individuals over 50. Magnus’s reference to Cradle to Cradle is one way to restore normalcy to everyday life. Yes quality of life is the name of the game. So let’s not discard yesterdays purchase just because it’s not today’s preferred color. Ask yourself is outsourcing essential? It’s extremely difficult when visiting a country to purchase a souvenir that’s not already on the shelf back home. Travel & exploration has lost its lustre. How much have we given up for the sake of the purchase and I haven’t even mentioned the food we eat.
As consumer’s we all have the opportunity through our purchasing selections to make or break a brand, a product or a trend. What am I advocating? Select products that demonstrate reduced packaging, are locally grown, manufactured or sourced when available. Learn to curb the non-essentials purchases and let industry redesign to the principles of cradle to cradle in time for tomorrows discriminating consumers.