How Long Does it Take for Chewing Gum to Decompose? And How Can We Reduce its Environmental Impact?
How Long Does it Take for Chewing Gum to Decompose? And How Can We Reduce its Environmental Impact?
Chewing gum is a ubiquitous part of our daily lives. We chew it for fresh breath, to satisfy a sweet craving, or simply out of habit. But what happens to chewing gum after we're done with it?
The Decomposability of Chewing Gum
How long does it take for chewing gum to decompose? The answer depends on several factors, including the type of gum, the environmental conditions, and the presence of bacteria. Natural gums, such as those made from chicle, can take several years to decompose. Synthetic gums, on the other hand, can take decades or even centuries.
This is because synthetic gums are made from non-biodegradable materials, such as polyethylene and polypropylene. These materials are resistant to bacterial breakdown, which means they can persist in the environment for a long time.
| Type of Gum | Decomposition Time |
|---|---|
| Natural gum (chicle) | 5-10 years |
| Synthetic gum (polyethylene) | 20-50 years |
| Synthetic gum (polypropylene) | 100+ years |
The Environmental Impact of Chewing Gum
The long decomposition time of chewing gum has a significant environmental impact. Chewing gum litter is a common sight in public spaces, such as parks, sidewalks, and beaches. It can also end up in waterways, where it can harm marine life.
According to the Gum Litter Task Force, chewing gum litter costs taxpayers millions of dollars each year to clean up. It also poses a threat to wildlife, as birds and other animals can mistake it for food and ingest it.
How to Reduce the Environmental Impact of Chewing Gum
There are several things we can do to reduce the environmental impact of chewing gum.
Benefits of Reducing Chewing Gum Waste
| Benefit | How to Achieve |
|---|---|
| Reduce litter and pollution | Dispose of chewing gum properly in trash cans or recycling bins. |
| Protect wildlife | Avoid littering chewing gum in public spaces or waterways. |
| Save money | Reduce the cost of cleaning up chewing gum litter. |
How to Dispose of Chewing Gum Properly
| Step | How to |
|---|---|
| 1. Wrap it up: Wrap the used chewing gum in a piece of paper or aluminum foil. | |
| 2. Trash it: Dispose of the wrapped chewing gum in a trash can or recycling bin. | |
| 3. Rinse it: If you're near a sink, rinse the used chewing gum down the drain before disposing of it. |
How to Recycle Chewing Gum
Some companies offer recycling programs for used chewing gum. To participate in these programs, you'll need to collect and mail in your used chewing gum to the company. The company will then recycle the gum into new products, such as park benches and playground equipment.
| Company | Recycling Program |
|---|---|
| Terracycle | Gum Recycling Program |
| Wrigley | Gum Recycling Program |
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