Question

If all the waste we generate is biodegradable, will this have no impact on the environment?

Answer 1

Hint: Biodegradable products are non-toxic, environmentally friendly and can be easily recycled. So the biodegradable substances can be easily used to generate biogas, manure, fertilizers, and compost after being discarded. The waste generated from biodegradable substances also effects environment in both positive and negative ways.

Complete answer: If we all generate the biodegradable waste only, it will still have some impacts on the environment like
> If a large amount of biodegradable waste is generated, a large amount of land area would be required to decompose and dampen biodegradable substances by composting.
> when biodegradable substances undergo the process of decomposition for example banana peel when left for decomposition cause bad and foul odour
> The area where all the biodegradable waste will be collected will serve as a breeding ground for various flies and mosquitoes which can further cause various diseases.
> The large amount of waste, if not disposed properly, can lead to clogging of drains.
Biodegradable substances can be characterized as a substance that can be decomposed by natural factors such as microbes (e.g., bacteria, fungi, etc.) and that does not contribute to pollution as well as naturally occurring agents or abiotic elements such as oxygen, water, ultraviolet rays, bacteria, acid rains
Together, microorganisms and other abiotic elements break down complex compounds into simpler organic matter, which eventually remains in the soil and blends in. The entire process that occurs during decomposition of biodegradable substances is natural and can be slow or quick. The environmental problems and risks arising from biodegradable waste are therefore low.

Note: Biodegradable substances require costly equipment for recycling and processing, bioengineering problems, require a large amount of water to decompose properly and biodegradable products costs higher than the normal ones.