Do Produce Stickers Break Down in Compost?

A biodegradable label is a label material that can decompose naturally without releasing harmful substances into the environment. With growing environmental awareness, biodegradable labels have become a popular alternative to traditional labels that are not recyclable.

Do Produce Stickers Break Down in Compost?

Produce stickers-aka “price look-up” stickers, or PLUs, an important inventory tool atmost grocery stores-are typically made from paper and a layer of plastic durableenough to withstand transport and in-store spritzings of water to ensure freshness.Composting is a natural process that uses oxygen, nitrogen, and time to recycleorganic matter into a material called humus, a fertilizer that can be used by farmersand home gardeners alike. And while many non-food items can be tossed into yourbin or heap-think pizza boxes, paper napkins, coffee filters-most manmadeproducts don’t break down by natural means.

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What Can You Do About Produce Stickers?

1. Remember to Remove

produce stickers biodegradable compostable
The obvious step: remember to remove and toss your produce stickers in the only place they can currently go, the trash. While this does nothing to reduce the waste, it will help to ensure that your compost stays healthy and viable for use in potted houseplants or your garden.
2. Shop Farmers’ Markets
Produce stickers are important for inventory and product identification at grocery stores and markets, but the vendors at most farmers’ markets have no need for them. Support your local growers and purchase sticker-free fruits and veggies.
3. Grow Your Own
In your final form, you are your own farmer and produce provider, and can easilyidentify your bounty without the use of a plastic sticker. Build an organic garden plotin your backyard, or go the smal-space route with a hydroponic gardening systemlike Gardyn or Lettuce Grow.

 

 

 


Post time: May-28-2023