Biodegradable Items for Kids

Step 3 in Biodegradation

• breakdown into natural elements

• conversion into synthetic materials

• accumulation of toxins

• release of greenhouse gases

*Front:* Cotton

• fiber, biodegradable

• synthetic, non-biodegradable

• metal, recyclable

• plastic, biodegradable

Biodegradable

• decomposed by microorganisms

• made from synthetic materials

• resistant to environmental factors

• requires high temperatures to break down

*Front:* Paper

• biodegradable item

• plastic item

• metal item

• glass item

Step 1 in Biodegradation

• attack material

• decompose waste

• absorb nutrients

• release toxins

*Front:* Environmental Benefit

• landfill waste

• air pollution

• water contamination

• deforestation

Food Waste

• decomposes

• recycles

• pollutes

• incinerates

*Front:* Composting

• to speed up biodegradation

• to reduce waste volume

• to increase soil acidity

• to enhance plant growth

Step 2 in Biodegradation

• breaks into smaller pieces

• is accelerated by sunlight

• requires high temperatures

• involves chemical reactions

*Front:* Biodegradable Plastics

• decompose faster than regular plastics

• are more durable than regular plastics

• are made from petroleum-based products

• are less expensive than regular plastics