Tech Goes Green: The Rise of Biodegradable & Compostable Solutions

As our reliance on technology grows, major tech companies account for an even greater share of our global carbon footprint. Now more than ever, consumers are beginning to take notice of the impact the tech industry is having on the environment and the irreversible damage we’re doing to our planet. 

But to what lengths are major tech companies impacting our environment, what steps have been made to change their methods, and what more can we do to combat the ongoing climate crisis? While measures are indeed in place, the fight is far from over; we must embrace sustainability, fight pollution, and reduce our carbon footprint in every way possible.

Read on to discover how damaging non-biodegradable materials truly are, how companies are working to change their destructive habits, and how you can support the sustainable revolution. 

The damaging impact of single-use packaging

One of the most glaring issues we face in halting climate change is eradicating the widespread adoption of microplastics and other damaging materials in production and distribution. While companies like Casely are breaking the mold and using sustainable materials, the shift toward biodegradable and compostable solutions must be adopted industry-wide. 

Cell phones and other electronic devices are often designed using damaging materials such as polyvinyl chloride and shipped in non-biodegradable packaging. Rather than being disposed of safely, these materials are most often left in landfills to be forgotten about or even cast into our oceans, damaging our ecosystem and even infecting water supplies. 

It’ll come as no surprise that landfills globally are currently at capacity with single-use packaging materials that simply can’t biodegrade. The OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) estimated that 91 percent of all plastic is not and can not be recycled; it ends up in landfills or pollutes local habitats.

Moreover, the pollution caused by such materials can have catastrophic effects on local wildlife, and it’s estimated that plastic discarded in the ocean will outweigh sealife by 2050. If more companies don’t embrace sustainability soon, we could see mass extinctions of some of the most common species of wild animals. 

Alternatives to single-use plastics 

Companies have spent far too long utilizing cheap and readily accessible materials, contented to take the more affordable option without investing in sustainable alternatives. But with proper use of time and resources, tech companies can still create exceptional products for customers without using damaging non-biodegradable materials. 

Sales of the latest cell phones, consoles, and appliances continue to grow, and so does the need for biodegradable, eco-friendly products and packaging. Gone are the days when customers will gladly ignore the impact major tech companies have on our world; activists and campaigners are working to bring about genuine change to how companies operate.

While the complete eradication of damaging materials doesn’t appear likely, many companies are working to improve their attitude around packaging and manufacturing, even forfeiting a degree of profit to reduce their carbon footprint. This includes the use of biodegradable and compostable materials, such as:

• Plant-based packaging – packaging made from natural sources, such as bioplastics
• Recycled Paper & Cardboard – both materials are easily recycled and reused for other products or packaging.
• Bamboo
• Glass
• Upcycled cloth or fiber

By utilizing plant-based, recyclable, and biodegradable packaging, major tech companies can ensure they remain eco-friendly, reducing their impact on our global climate while maintaining their moral duty toward combating climate change.  

What more can be done?

While we must commend the actions of such companies to this point, there’s still far more to be done to ensure we eliminate the use of damaging materials in major commerce for good. More companies must embrace biodegradable and compostable solutions across every facet of their operations to reduce the strain we’re placing on the planet and its oceans.

Although a great deal of damage has already occurred, many major tech companies are beginning to recognize the errors of their ways and accept the need for sustainable alternatives. Companies like Amazon, Microsoft, Apple, and Casely are leading this shift, with sustainability pledges ensuring they minimize their carbon footprint as much as possible. 

Countless large and small organizations are beginning to implement carbon neutrality pledges, or net-zero targets, with many companies implementing regulations to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 as a minimum. This would require tech companies to ensure that all materials used in manufacturing and distributing their products are environmentally friendly, biodegradable, and safe for our planet. 

By supporting companies with sustainability or carbon neutrality pledges and boycotting companies who refuse to follow suit, we can show the tech industry we’ll no longer tolerate any needless disregard for the health of our planet. Biodegradable, compostable, and carbon-neutral solutions are viable and must be utilized wherever possible.

Final thoughts – Sustainability as a priority

While the number of major tech companies embracing sustainable alternatives continues to grow, it’s not enough to accept minimal action in the face of impending climate disaster. Until every major tech company takes responsibility for its actions and refutes non-biodegradable materials, damaging materials will continue to impact local wildlife and eco-climates for generations to come.  

By educating yourself about what constitutes biodegradable packaging and which companies use it, you can be sure you are doing your part to combat the impending environmental catastrophe. There’s no longer any excuse for such companies to remain ignorant; we must act now and ensure the health of our planet for generations to come.