What does biodegradable mean? A substance or object that is biodegradable has the ability to decompose by bacteria or other living organisms. To qualify as biodegradable, the object has to be able to completely break down and return to the earth naturally. Generally, products must be able to decompose completely within a year or less to be classified as biodegradable. Biodegradable products are the best option for decomposition because the majority of biodegradable products are able to be broken down much faster than other materials. When broken down, biodegradable products turn into organic material, water vapor, and carbon dioxide. All of which do not harm the environment.

Many manufacturers of latex products such as balloons and gloves claim that their products are biodegradable. What they do not tell you is how long their products may take before they completely decompose. How do we, the consumers, know which products are safe for the environment and which ones will cause harm to our ecosystem? Below we will take a look at several examples of non-biodegradable products. We will also discuss why these products are not biodegradable.

• Latex Balloons- Balloon manufacturers have come up with the marketing gimmick that their balloons are created from natural latex and is environmentally friendly. While these balloons are made from natural latex, they are also made from artificial dyes, plastics, and chemicals. These “biodegradable” balloons are designed to burst after a reaching a certain height and fall to the ground in small pieces and decompose naturally. The truth is, when these balloons return to the earth, they rest in the form of litter. Although these balloons may decompose naturally, it may take up to six years for them to completely disappear. Let’s not forget that small balloon pieces can be seen as food to many animals on land and in the ocean.
• Latex Condoms- Despite the common theory that condoms are biodegradable, they are not. This misunderstanding comes from the fact that the majority of condoms are made from latex. However, just like balloons, condoms are not made from 100% all-natural latex. To be able to get the latex thin enough for condom use, other chemicals and ingredients are added to the compound that costs them their ability to be decomposed naturally.
• Rubber bands and tyres- While both rubber bands and tyres are created from natural rubber, I would not classify them as biodegradable. Technically, natural rubber has the ability to decompose naturally. However, rubber bands and tyres are often made up of several additives aside from natural latex. The rubber that makes up most rubber bands and tyres can take up to fifty years to biodegrade. It is recommended that rubber bands and tyres be recycled due to the amount of time needed to decompose and tyres take up space in landfills.
• Shoe soles- Most people do not realise the soles of their shoes may be a latex product that we do not always realise. Despite being a latex product, you should not throw your old shoes into the woods to disintegrate. Natural rubber is used in the making of soles due to its flexibility strength. However, when manufacturers combine other materials such as dyes and plastics, the soles lose their environmentally friendly properties.
• Mattresses- If you are trying to be as eco-friendly as possible and purchase a “latex mattress”, you may be thinking that your mattress is biodegradable. Latex foams are generally used to create latex mattresses. While there are some examples of biodegradable mattresses, the majority of them include other non-biodegradable materials and fabrics.