Single-use plastic items are a significant source of litter nationwide in Canada, but an investigation by Marketplace has revealed that compostable alternatives may not be the environmentally friendly solution they are marketed to be. With the increasing bans on single-use plastics by different government bodies, compostable products have gained traction. However, Marketplace’s findings indicate that these alternatives may not be as beneficial for the environment as their eco-friendly packaging implies.
In an experiment conducted by Marketplace, compostable items were subjected to burial in the ground, composting in a backyard composter, and submersion in a lake to simulate their fate in the environment. After 14 weeks, only three out of 30 products had completely decomposed, leading to concerns raised by Karen Wirsig from the advocacy group Environmental Defence. She criticized these products as “single-use garbage” and highlighted how companies are simply shifting the disposal method without addressing the core issue of excessive packaging.
The investigation revealed that only a few items fully decomposed, with compostable coffee lids, wheat straws, plastic bags, spoons, birch forks, and bamboo plates remaining largely intact. The persistence of these items post-decomposition poses risks to wildlife, as fragments can be mistaken for food by unsuspecting organisms. The issue of additives from these products entering the food chain was also raised.
Notably, the experiment showed that only a paper plate in the lake and a paper straw and plate buried in the ground had completely disappeared. Additionally, the complexities of composting were highlighted, with many municipalities having stringent rules governing the acceptance of compostable items, making it challenging for consumers to dispose of these products properly.
Despite claims of being compostable, many of these products require specific conditions found in commercial facilities for proper decomposition, which are not easily accessible to the general public. This lack of standardization across municipalities complicates the disposal process and raises concerns about additional emissions when compostable items end up in landfills.
Manufacturers and sellers of compostable products maintain that their items adhere to independent composting standards and are designed to break down in industrial facilities. However, the disconnect between product marketing and consumer access to appropriate disposal facilities remains a pressing issue. Environmental advocates urge a shift towards reusable alternatives and emphasize the need for industry accountability in promoting sustainable packaging practices.
