Scott Williams 🐧
I've been trying to find ways to reduce disposable #plastic usage. I ordered some "100% compostable" plates that unfortunately still came wrapped in plastic. It's a step in the right direction, I guess. I also ordered compostable forks and those came in cardboard instead of plastic.
Jan 16, 2023 at 9:17pmWeb
Show threadfedops 💙💛Jan 16, 2023

@vwbusguy I've found that "compostable" is a stretchable definition. For example I've composted (corn starch) plastic bags and they didn't disintegrate very well. I ran them through the composter twice over a year or so, and still had lots of small fragments that clung together come out.

Maybe they'd do better in larger composting setups but for garden use these were no good.

Conversely, I quite like the wooden utensils that are becoming popular now.

Show threadScott Williams 🐧Jan 16, 2023
@fedops Yeah, I imagine that would be true if you just chucked it in the garden vs put it in a compost bin with other necessary materials. Proper composting takes some curation.
Show threadMatthew Miller Jan 17, 2023

@fedops @vwbusguy

Yeah, those really need high-temp industrial setup rather than a backyard operation. In my town we have a curbside-pickup service which can handle those things — as well as meat scraps, bones, etc, which I might hesitate to compost at home.

Show threadScott Williams 🐧Jan 17, 2023
@mattdm @fedops Yeah, my goal here was less about composting itself and more about getting not to contribute to the already crazy amounts of micro plastics in the ocean and drinking water - especially since that's probably where it ends up when I throw stuff away where I live in particular.
Show threadfedops 💙💛Jan 17, 2023

@mattdm yup.

Also, don't put any meat or cooked food scraps on your backyard compost - you'll only attract rats.
@vwbusguy

Show threadScott Williams 🐧Jan 17, 2023
@fedops @mattdm In my case, it would attract my beagle, which could end up being even worse.
Show threadGenghisKen CoarJan 16, 2023

@vwbusguy
Back in the day, I was impressed with #cornstarch degradable packing #peanuts.

However, read "Mutant 59: The Plastic Eaters" for a lurid but not necessarily over-the-top #scifi look at going too far too fast.

Written in the early 70s, IIRC, what it considered impossible technology is here and now today.

#greengoo #tech #biotech #geneticengineering #gengineering

Show threadAJ DuneventJan 17, 2023

@vwbusguy I've found many of the non-plastic swaps I've made end up coming with and in plastic packing materials. It's frustrating because you usually don't find out until you've received an order. I bought a three pack of plastic-free deodorant and it arrived in a plastic bag, with plastic air cushions, and in a box with plastic tape. It's one way to know who is insincerely latching on to market buzz and who is trying to actually put a dent in the problem.

Let me know if there are any swaps you'd like to make and I can share any feedback and research I've got!