Biodegradable Wipes: What to Look For When Shopping
Our planet needs our help. And everyday decisions we make can either harm the planet or contribute to protecting it. An example of a choice that supports our environment is using biodegradable products whenever possible.
In this article, we’ll focus on biodegradable wet wipes. We’ll go over what you should be looking for on the label to ensure the biodegradable wipes you buy are safe for your family, as well as Mother Earth.
Learn More: Wet Wipes: How to Use All the Different Types Available
What are biodegradable wipes?
The key to truly biodegradable wet wipes is that they are made with natural plant-based fibers, which can break down faster in landfills. And if they’re flushable, they start to break down immediately upon contact with water. These materials continue to degrade until they are safely absorbed back into the ground, thus avoiding becoming part of the landfill.
Here’s a list of common biodegradable materials:
- Bamboo
- Organic cotton
- Viscose
- Cork
- Hemp
- Paper
According to The Lessen, swapping out non-biodegradable wipes for eco-friendly flushable wipes would not only cut 90% of the materials that cause sewage blockages, it would also go a long way in decreasing ocean pollution.
What to look for when shopping for biodegradable wipes
As a consumer, the best way to ensure you’re buying biodegradable wipes is by checking the ingredients on the package. Look for flushable biodegradable wipes that:
- Are made from natural renewable plant-based fibers, such as bamboo, viscose, or organic cotton
- Contain only plastic-free ingredients
- Contain hypoallergenic ingredients
- Only use naturally-derived cleansing agents like baking soda
Also, look for packaging descriptions, such as:
- 100% biodegradable
- Made from renewable plant-based materials/fibers
- Sustainably sourced
- Plastic-free
- Chemical-free | No harsh chemicals
- Dye-free
- Septic-safe | Sewer-safe
A little due diligence will go a long way to doing your part in supporting the ecosystem.
Learn More: Flushable Wet Wipes vs. Toilet Paper: Which is Better?
Shopping for biodegradable wet wipes
Now that you know what to look for when shopping, you may be asking yourself, “Where are these magical unicorn biodegradable wipes? Do they exist?”
Here are some biodegradable wet wipes to consider:
Hand Wipes
RAWGANIC Biodegradable On-the-Go Hand Wipes are made with 100% organic cotton and infused with cucumber and aloe.
Baby Wipes
Mum & You Biodegradable Baby Wipes are plastic-free plant-based wipes made with naturally derived sustainable fibers that are suitable for sensitive and eczema-prone delicate skin.
Flushable Wipes
Nice ’N CLEAN® SecureFLUSH™ Technology Flushable Wipes are plastic-free and made from 100% biodegradable [1] fibers. Our wipes are made from ultra-strong plant-based material to help you feel confidently clean. Safe for sewers and septic systems [2], they break apart five times faster in water than the leading toilet paper does. You can flush up to 5 wipes at a time compared to 1 or 2 wipes for other leading brands of flushable wipes. Made with baking soda — an effective, all-natural cleaning agent — they also contain three times more moisturizing aloe and vitamin E [3] to leave even the most sensitive skin feeling soothed and refreshed.
Wipe guilt-free with Nice ’N CLEAN® SecureFLUSH™ Technology Flushable Wipes — biodegradable wipes that are gentle on your bottom and gentle on the planet.
[1] When disposed of in the toilet
[2] Safe for well-maintained sewer and septic systems. Not recommended for use with motorhomes or basement pump systems.
[3] Compared to original formula of Nice ’N CLEAN® Flushable Wipes
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