It only takes you 5 minutes to chew gum, but it takes years for it to completely decompose. While chewing gum helps you stay alert, it leaves a long-term burden on the environment. The reason? It’s not biodegradable! So, do we really have to give up such a pastime to save our planet? Keep reading as we uncover the myth!
In this article:
Is Chewing Gum Biodegradable?
No, chewing gum is not biodegradable because it is made of synthetic polymers, such as petroleum wax, butyl rubber, polyvinyl acetate, and polyethylene. We can find polyethylene in most plastics today, so gum is actually plastic in essence.
A myth uncovered: We are chewing a piece of plastic every day.
Microorganisms in nature can’t break down the resilient structure of synthetic rubbers, making them degrade incredibly slowly and contributing to plastic pollution. Ironically, what is credited for the chewy texture we love makes it a nightmare for the environment.
According to Lemelson-MIT, about 250,000 tons of modern chewing gum is littered, and around 80 to 90% of it is not disposed of correctly. This is a wake-up call from our planet to change our habits. But this is not the end of the tragic story.
The fact that gum is made of petroleum indicates that we need to rely on fossil fuels to produce it. The more people chew gum, the more petroleum is exploited and the greater its negative impact on the environment.
Worse yet, as chewing gum isn’t disposed of properly, it can be washed down our water sources like rivers, lakes, streams, etc. It then carries other toxins and contaminants and is consumed by aquatic animals like fish. And that’s how it finds its way back to our bodies.
How Long Does Gum Take To Decompose?
It can take from 5 to 1,000 years, usually from 20 to 25 years, for gum to decompose completely. The time needed varies, depending on the components and the manufacturing process.
Environmental factors like humidity, temperature, and microbial activity also have a say in the degradation process. The warmer the weather, the quicker it degrades. When UV light is at its peak, it can break down the synthetic plastic more easily.
Once discarded and exposed to air and sunlight, gum will lose its elasticity. This paves the way for other natural elements to break it down. Rainwater helps fragment it into smaller pieces, while microorganisms, like fungi and bacteria, use their enzymes to break down its chemical bonds. Due to its stretchy and adhesive nature, this process happens very slowly.
The exact time for degradation? We may never know! Sometimes, gum only breaks down into smaller fragments that are invisible to the naked eye. And its microplastic fragments still exist somewhere under the soil, in the water, or in animals’ bodies.
3 Things We Can Do To Mitigate Its Impacts
Correct Disposal
As mentioned, most of the gum is not discarded correctly. Many folks tend to spit it on the streets, sidewalks, public spaces, or anywhere they feel convenient, thinking those small pieces can’t do anything bad. But we might have to wait a millennium for them to disappear.
So, remember to throw gum in curbside garbage bins or gum bins so it can be treated correctly to mitigate its impacts. It’s also advised to cover it in the original gum wrapper or something similar to prevent it from sticking to other items.
Biodegradable Alternatives
Biodegradable chewing gum is no longer a pipe dream. Instead of a synthetic gum base, these alternatives comprise natural ingredients, like chicle (a latex sap of the sapodilla tree) or plant-based polymers. Thanks to these components, the gum can break down naturally within weeks or months without causing harmful effects on the environment.
Don’t think that its natural ingredients will sacrifice its signature stretch. Plastic-free chewing gum is just as chewy and satisfying as traditional chewing gum. So you can still enjoy the same mouthfeel and flavor while mitigating its environmental harm.
Some gum manufacturers even go the extra mile by utilizing eco-friendly packaging and ethical sourcing practices. If you want to switch to these biodegradable options, consider Glee Gum, Simply Gum, Chewsy, and Chicza.
Recycling Chewing Gum
Plastics can be recycled, so why not gum? TerraCycle, a recycling firm, has piloted its recycling programs in the US, Europe, and Mexico. They collect gum waste, clean it, mix it with other plastics, and reproduce it into doorstops, playground equipment, and so on.
Another pioneer in recycling gum is Gum Drop. It partners with chewing gum brands like Wrigley, collects discarded gum, and turns it into plastic pellets and rubberized materials. The materials will then be transformed into frisbees, coffee cups, pencils, etc.
These companies set the stage for a new way to reduce gum waste in the chewing gum market, keep our streets and sidewalks cleaner, and ease the burden on landfills.
