Are Biodegradable Wipes Really Better?

What exactly are biodegradable wipes?

Biodegradable baby wipes offer a more eco-friendly option; made with natural, organic, and plant-based ingredients, they eventually break down into smaller elements that return to the earth. Of course, there are several caveats to consider when choosing biodegradable wipes — and not all types and brands are created equal.

What to look for in biodegradable wipes?

Lots of brands claim that their wipes are “natural,” but let us be clear: That is a subjective and unregulated term. When shopping for biodegradable wipes, there are some specific things to look out for:

• Most biodegradable wipes are made using plant fibers, so in addition to being environmentally friendly, they are also, generally, considered a safe and hypoallergenic option — gentle on Baby’s delicate skin. They may also contain viscose material, organic cotton, or bamboo.
• You want to find a biodegradable wipe that contains no plastic, no chemicals, and is mostly composed of water. For example, thesebiodegradable wipes are composed of 98.5 percent pure water.
• Many biodegradable wet wipes contain essential oils as a safe alternative to synthetic ingredients and added fragrances. These biodegradable wipes are infused with a natural essential oil to give them a subtle but refreshing scent.
• Ideally, biodegradable wipes should have a COSMOS certification; this means that they contain a minimum of 95% plant-based ingredients.
• You also want to do your due diligence when purchasing wipes and check how long it will actually take for them to fully decompose or biodegrade. Suffice to say, it defeats the purpose if a wipe will be lying around in a landfill for years to come. For example, Kinder by Nature wipes claim to biodegrade within 60 days.
• A really important point to understand? Biodegradable wipes are not the same as flushable wipes. Yes, biodegradable wipes will eventually break down, but that does not mean you want them to do that in your pipes or sewer system. (FYI, even if a wipe package is labeled as “flush friendly,” avoid putting them in the toilet — or risk an eventual plumbing problem.)
• Most biodegradable wipes should be thrown out in the regular garbage. Some options can go in a compost bin.

This article comes from newfolks edit released