Update: Reusables - the true alternative to single-use plastics

Last year we published a blog about single-use compostables and the issues that surrounded them. This year it’s only become worse.

If you can believe it, if you were planning to stick to single-use we’d recommend plastic over a compostable single-use. That is because most compostable containers contain PFAS. If you have been watching the latest series of War on Waste you would have seen the team testing a ‘compostable’ container from a upmarket chain and finding PFAS.

If you don’t know much about PFAS here is a deep dive. But we’re going to break it down for you

So, WHAT ARE PFAS?

PFAS is the blanket term for a number of harmful ‘forever’ chemicals. Once they get into soil they are impossible to remove and from soil they make their way into food, waterways and eventually our bodies.

Exposure to these chemicals can result in a range of medical problems.

THAT SOUNDS BAD, how can we avoid them?

PFAS are everywhere - even some of the most remote places on earth like Antarctica. I think limiting exposure is the best we can hope for.

WHAT DOES THAT MEAN FOR COMPOST?

One place they have been found is in compostable food containers. Which is why we believe there is no such thing as a compostable container.

While we don’t know how much eating from those containers exposes you to more, its what happens at end of life which is the most concerning.

As a result the NSW EPA as well as many other states are now banning fibre containers in compost.

A reusable is really the best option for you, and for the planet