Eco Friendly vs Biodegradable: What’s the Difference?

There are many different types of eco friendly materials on the market. Some people might be wondering what the difference between eco friendly and biodegradable is, and if there are any pros or cons to using either term. In this blog post, we will explore the difference between eco friendly and biodegradable materials, as well as outline the pros and cons of each. We hope that this eco friendly vs biodegradable comparison will help you make an informed decision when choosing a product that best suits your needs.

What is eco friendly and what is biodegradable?

Eco friendly and biodegradable are two terms that are closely related yet quite different from one another. Eco-friendly refers to products, activities or lifestyles that have a minimal impact on the environment in terms of emissions and resource consumption. In other words, eco-friendly activities help conserve the environment for future generations. On the other hand, biodegradable materials refer to materials which can be broken down naturally by bacteria, fungi or other microorganisms into more basic components such as carbon dioxide, water and organic matter. This means that when disposed of properly, these materials do not leave any harmful residues behind.

Eco-friendly practices can range from using energy efficient appliances in your home, recycling paper and plastic items or even avoiding single-use items such as water bottles. Biodegradable materials are often derived from natural sources such as plants, which can be composted after use in order to reduce the amount of waste that goes into landfills. Examples of biodegradable materials include paper, cardboard and organic waste such as food scraps.

In terms of environmental impact, eco-friendly practices and biodegradable materials both have a major role to play in preserving our planet for future generations. By opting for eco-friendly activities and switching to more sustainable alternatives like biodegradable materials, we can reduce emissions and conserve resources for the benefit of all living creatures on Earth.

Key differences between eco friendly and biodegradable

1. Eco friendly products are designed to reduce the environmental impact of production and use, while biodegradable materials naturally break down in the environment when exposed to air, water or biological processes.
2. Eco friendly products may be either made from natural or recycled materials, while biodegradable materials must be made from organic substances such as plants and other organic matter.
3. Ecologically friendly products are intended for long-term use, while biodegradable materials are designed to degrade rapidly after a single use.
4. Eco-friendly products often require specialized disposal methods such as recycling or composting, whereas biodegradable items can usually be thrown away without any special considerations.
5. Eco friendly products typically cost more than conventional goods due to their use of natural and recycled materials while biodegradable items may cost the same or less than traditional products.
6. Eco friendly products usually require the use of safer chemicals, dyes and processes during their production in order to reduce environmental impacts, whereas biodegradable items may not have any requirements in this regard as they are designed to break down naturally.
7. Eco friendly products often last longer because of their use of durable materials, such as plastics that do not degrade easily when exposed to air, water or sunlight; whereas biodegradable items are designed with a limited lifespan due to their rapid rate of decomposition.
8. Some eco-friendly products offer renewable energy solutions while biodegradable items typically provide no benefit related to energy

Key similarities between Eco Friendly and Biodegradable

1. Natural Origin: Both eco-friendly and biodegradable products are made from natural materials. This means that they do not contain harmful chemicals or synthetic materials that can damage the environment. They are derived from plants, animals, and minerals, making them safe and sustainable.
2. Reduced Pollution: Eco-friendly and biodegradable items significantly help in reducing pollution. They reduce the amount of waste going to landfills because they break down more quickly than synthetic materials. Additionally, they don’t leach harmful substances into the environment during their production, use, or disposal.
3. Conservation of Resources: The manufacturing of both types of products emphasizes the conservation of natural resources. They are designed to use less water and energy in their production, which aids in preserving our planet’s resources and minimizing the carbon footprint.
4. Composting Capabilities: A crucial similarity between eco-friendly and biodegradable materials is that they can be composted. Once they’ve served their purpose, they break down into natural elements within a composting environment, providing nourishment to the soil and promoting a continuous lifecycle.
5. Promotion of Biodiversity: Both eco-friendly and biodegradable products support biodiversity by reducing the demand for resource-intensive or harmful materials. This leads to a healthier ecosystem, supporting a wide range of plant and animal species.
6. Consumer Health Considerations: Eco-friendly and biodegradable products not only benefit the environment, but also the consumers. They are free from toxic materials and chemicals that can cause health issues, thereby promoting a healthier lifestyle.
7. Encouragement of Responsible Consumption: Both eco-friendly and biodegradable products encourage responsible consumption. They are part of a broader approach to sustainable living, encouraging consumers to think about the lifecycle of the products they use and the impact of their purchasing decisions.
8. Positive Economic Impact: While often overlooked, both eco-friendly and biodegradable products can have positive economic impacts. By promoting a sustainable model of production and consumption, they can help create green jobs and foster industries that are resilient and sustainable in the long run.

Pros of eco friendly over biodegradable

1. Eco friendly materials are reusable, biodegradable materials are not.
2. Eco friendly materials are often more durable and longer lasting than biodegradable materials.
3. Eco-friendly materials can be recycled or reused, whereas biodegradable products tend to break down into elements that may not be useful in any way.
4. Many eco-friendly products use renewable resources, such as bamboo, paper, cotton and wool which are better for the environment than their nonrenewable counterparts.
5. Eco-friendly products tend to use fewer chemical additives and less energy during production, which makes them more environmentally friendly than biodegradable products which may release harmful chemicals into the environment during production and disposal processes.
6. The cost associated with eco friendly products is often lower than biodegradable products.
7. Eco-friendly materials tend to have a smaller environmental footprint than biodegradable materials, as they require fewer resources for manufacturing and produce less waste during the production process.
8. Eco-friendly materials are non-toxic and do not emit any harmful toxins into the environment, unlike some biodegradable materials which may release toxic substances when decomposing.
9. Many eco-friendly products can be composted or recycled after use, whereas biodegradable products may end up in landfills where they can take decades to break down completely.
10. Eco-friendly products are often more aesthetically pleasing than their biodegradable counterparts

Cons of eco friendly compared to biodegradable

1. Eco friendly products may be more expensive than biodegradable ones.
2. Eco friendly materials may not degrade as quickly or completely as a biodegradable material could.
3. Eco-friendly products may require the use of chemicals and other materials that are not always safe for the environment, which can contribute to air and water pollution.
4. Some eco-friendly materials can have a negative impact on soil fertility if used in large quantities over time, while biodegradable material will naturally decay into the earth without causing any damage to the environment.
5. In some cases, it is difficult to tell which products are truly eco-friendly since many labels do not provide full disclosure about their ingredients or manufacturing processes. This can make it difficult to know if a product is truly eco-friendly or not.
6. Eco friendly products may require more energy and resources to produce than biodegradable materials, which can lead to greater environmental impacts.
7. Some eco-friendly materials are difficult to recycle, making them more likely to end up in landfills where they will take longer to decompose than biodegradable material.
8. Eco friendly materials may be less durable and have a shorter lifespan than their biodegradable counterparts, leading to more frequent replacement purchases and waste production.

Ultimately, the choice between eco friendly products and biodegradable ones depends on your individual needs and preferences as well as the specific type of product you are looking for.

Pros biodegradable over eco friendly

1. Biodegradable products are made from renewable sources, such as plants and other organic materials. This means that instead of relying on non-renewable resources like petroleum or coal for production, biodegradable products can be produced with much less environmental impact.
2. Biodegradable products are also typically much more cost effective than their eco friendly counterparts since they do not require expensive manufacturing processes or materials. Additionally, because these items break down in the environment naturally, there is no need to dispose of them in a landfill or incinerator, making biodegradable goods even more affordable over time.
3. As biodegradable goods break down in the environment, they return valuable nutrients to the soil and help to reduce waste in landfills. This helps to promote soil fertility and growth, as well as reducing the amount of harmful pollutants that can be released into the air from burning plastic or other non-biodegradable materials.
4. Using biodegradable products can help to reduce the pressure on natural resources, such as water and energy. Producing a single product from renewable sources often requires much less energy than producing a comparable item from non-renewable resources, meaning that biodegradable items are often more sustainable in the long run.

Overall, biodegradable products offer numerous advantages over eco friendly alternatives when it comes to cost effectiveness, environmental impact and sustainability.

Cons of biodegradable compared to eco friendly

1. Biodegradable products often have shorter shelf-lives than eco-friendly products, meaning they need to be used or replaced more frequently.
2. Some biodegradable materials can take a long time to break down and may not degrade completely, leaving behind pieces of plastic or other material that can harm the environment.
3. Biodegradable packaging is often more expensive than traditional plastic packaging, making it difficult to use in some applications where cost is an issue.
4. The production process for biodegradable materials can be energy intensive, leading to increased greenhouse gas emissions and environmental damage if the materials are not produced sustainably.
5. Many biodegradable products still contain chemicals or additives that may be toxic to plants or animals, making them potentially dangerous to the environment.
6. Biodegradable products can often be hard to identify, meaning consumers may unwittingly purchase non-biodegradable items.
7. It is difficult to recycle or reuse biodegradable materials once they have been used and discarded, as their original form cannot usually be recovered.
8. Biodegradable materials are generally not designed for reuse, so they must still be thrown away after a single use.

Situations when eco friendly is better than biodegradable

1. When toxins are released into the environment: Eco friendly materials help reduce the release of toxins into the environment. This is because eco friendly materials are made with fewer chemicals and natural ingredients, which helps prevent contamination.
2. When dealing with hazardous waste: Eco-friendly products can be used to store and transport hazardous materials more safely than biodegradable products, as they’re less likely to break down in the environment or seep their contents out into the surrounding area.
3. For long-term storage needs: Because they don’t degrade over time like biodegradable materials do, eco friendly materials are often a better choice for long-term storage and transportation needs.
4. When looking for an economical option: While some eco friendly materials are more expensive than biodegradable ones, they’re often a better choice in the long run as they don’t need to be replaced as frequently. In addition, eco-friendly materials can be reused and recycled, whereas most biodegradable materials cannot.
5. When looking for a sustainable solution: Eco friendly materials are usually made with renewable resources that can be replenished over time. This makes them a much more sustainable option than biodegradable materials which must eventually be disposed of, creating additional waste.

Situations when biodegradable is better than eco friendly

1. When minimizing impact on the environment is a priority: Biodegradable materials decompose more quickly than eco-friendly alternatives, reducing the amount of time they spend in landfills.
2. When composting is an option: Biodegradable packaging can be thrown into a compost bin and broken down naturally, while eco-friendly materials may require special processing to break them down.
3. When it’s important to reduce waste: Biodegradable materials are often lightweight and easy to store, so they don’t take up valuable space in landfills like eco-friendly options might.
4. For single use items: Items that will only be used once and then discarded should be made with biodegradable material so they don’t add to the waste problem.
5. When you need a green solution: Biodegradable materials are an excellent choice for businesses, schools and other organizations looking to reduce their environmental impact.
6. In areas with limited resources: Eco-friendly materials require more energy and resources to make, so biodegradable products may be a better option in remote or developing markets where such resources are scarce.
7. For packaging: Biodegradable packaging is becoming increasingly common due to its smaller environmental footprint than conventional options. It’s also easier and cheaper to dispose of biodegradable materials than non-biodegradable ones.
8. When disposing of hazardous materials: Biodegradable items can be safely disposed of without causing pollution, while eco-friendly materials may require special disposal methods.
9. For food packaging: Many biodegradable products are designed specifically for use in the food industry and can help protect perishable items from contamination or damage. They also break down more quickly than traditional plastic packaging, reducing the amount of waste left behind.
10. When sustainability is key: Biodegradable materials are often renewable resources that don’t deplete natural resources like oil-based plastics do, making them a more sustainable option.
11. When promoting environmental awareness: Products made with biodegradable materials are becoming increasingly popular due to their lower environmental impact and potential for reuse or repurposing.

Eco Friendly vs Biodegradable Summary

At the end of the day, both eco friendly and biodegradable materials have their own set of pros and cons. It is important to weigh these factors when deciding which option is best for your specific circumstance. If you have any questions about the differences between eco friendly and biodegradable materials or would like help determining which option is right for you, please leave a comment below. We would be happy to help!