How To Be An Environmentally Friendly Family And Take Advantage Of Composting

Biodegradable plastics:
Made from petrochemicals, but have been made so they break down easier than traditional plastic. When items are exposed to moisture and air it allows them to break down faster and easier.

Biodegradable bioplastics:
Made from natural materials such as corn starch. They contain renewable and fossil-fuel-based carbon that replaces many of the non-renewable aspects of traditional plastic and can be composted and can contribute to a healthier environment.

Home composting:
Includes a mixture of organic waste food scraps, vegetable peels, garden clippings, leaves, and manure combined in a bin or confined space to create an environment for controlled biological decomposition as a result of the action of aerobic bacteria, fungi, and other organisms.

Composting in facilities:
Locations where composting of yard clippings or other organic materials occurs using mechanical handling techniques such as physical turning, windrowing, or aeration

Now that you know some common sustainable terms, let’s learn about resins and how you and your family can take advantage of composting and sustainable living.

Resins

Plastarch material (PSM) and thermoplastic starch are both resins used when making compostable and sustainable products. PSM is a bio-based thermoplastic resin that is water and oil-proof. It also has high hot and cold endurance. It is made from plant starch and polypropylene. Thermoplastic starch is mostly used in Australia. It is a non-GMO corn starch that produces a bioplastic resin used for food, cosmetics and other items.

Our domestic and commercial products are all biodegradable products manufactured using renewable resources and plant-based thermoplastic corn starch resins.

Corn resins have many positive attributes including:

• They are derived from a natural resource that is reproduced yearly.
• They are compostable and can be broken down in less than a month if done correctly.
• No toxic fumes are produced.
• We don’t believe there are many cons to corn resins, but there are a few things to keep in mind such as:

Corn resin is only compostable in commercial composting facilities which are few and far between. We believe as the industry grows we will see an increase in composting facilities as well. When items are composted in commercial facilities under controlled aerobic conditions, by-products will be returned back into agriculture where it is used for future growth of vegetable gardens, farms land, plant life, tree growth, mulch, and more. Corn resin shouldn’t get mixed in with traditional recycling materials because they are derived from different materials. It is important we properly sort traditional recycling items and corn resin.
Educate Your Family. It is important to educate your family and children on the significance of living a sustainable and environmentally friendly lifestyle. The earlier children learn about sustainability, the longer they are to carry that with them throughout their life, while educating others on the subject. Keep in mind that even though our products have been composted in composting facilities it is important to compost on your own. Composting can be both educational and rewarding.

One way to educate your family about sustainability is through Arts and Crafts. Crafts show your children that sustainability can be fun! One easy craft that can be done for any age is a spoon mirror. All you need are biodegradable plastic spoons, spray paint, a hot glue gun and a mirror of your choice. Spray paint the spoons to the colour of your liking and use the hot glue gun to glue the spoons evenly around the mirror.  Composting can also be rewarding for families because it can help families realise what can be composted during their normal day-to-day duties. By composting your organic food scraps, including bio-plastic bags, into their compost bin or worm farm and by doing so they are reducing the amount of landfill waste and greenhouse emissions into the atmosphere.

Another way to educate your family about sustainability is to get your children involved in sustainability groups. The Australian Conservation Foundation has a wonderful volunteer program families can participate in. Volunteers help make banners, run events, do research and speak with others about sustainability. Next year, get your children involved in Australia’s International Composting Awareness Week. It is one week of activities that share the importance of composting. Conservation Volunteers is another option for your family as well. You can become a volunteer, a member join the Green Army, a hands-on program for those 17-24 years old or take an eco-friendly holiday. Children can also participate in Clean Up Australia Day and become actively involved with local Scouts clubs.

Composting and living an environmentally friendly life is a lifestyle change that you and your family can easily take advantage of. Now that you know all the steps to a sustainable life, it is time to implement them.