Biodegradable and non-biodegradable materials
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A paper bag and a plastic bag.
Which one will rot first?
The paper bag may not last more than a few months.
It will be broken down by microorganisms in the soil.
We say a paper bag is biodegradable.
biodegradable
broken down by microorganisms
A plastic bag, on the other hand, will remain in the environment for many years.
It will not be broken down by microorganisms and is known as non-biodegradable.
non-biodegradable
not broken down by microorganisms
As well as paper, biodegradable materials include other natural products such as meat and fruit.
biodegradable materials
Biodegradable waste needs to be treated with care.
The microorganisms that break it down can cause disease and produce harmful gases.
non-biodegradable materials
Non-biodegradable materials are often synthetic products like plastic, glass and batteries.
Because they don't break down easily, if not disposed of properly, non-biodegradable waste can cause pollution, block drains and harm animals.
It's better for the environment if we recycle both biodegradable and non-biodegradable materials.
Old plastic bags can be pelleted and used to make new plastic bags, while paper bags can be turned into new paper products or made into compost to feed the plants.
Materials are biodegradable or non-biodegradable.
A paper bag and a plastic bag.
Which one will rot first?
The paper bag may last only a few months.
It is broken down by microorganisms in the soil.
The paper bag is biodegradable.
biodegradable
broken down by microorganisms
A plastic bag stays for many years.
It is not broken down by microorganisms. The plastic bag is non-biodegradable.
non-biodegradable
not broken down by microorganisms
Paper is a biodegradable material. Other natural things, like meat and fruit, are also biodegradable materials.
biodegradable materials
We need to be careful with biodegradable waste.
Microorganisms break down the waste. They can cause disease and give out harmful gases.
non-biodegradable materials
Non-biodegradable materials are often synthetic. Plastic, glass, and batteries are all non-biodegradable. They don’t break down easily.
If we don’t dispose of it carefully, non-biodegradable waste can cause pollution. It can block drains and harm animals.
We should recycle biodegradable and non-biodegradable materials. Recycling is better for the environment.
Old plastic bags can be recycled. They are used to make new plastic bags. Paper bags can be made into new paper products or they can become compost, to feed plants.
Materials are biodegradable or non-biodegradable.
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