Seeds of Change Series 2: Understanding Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Products: What You Need to Know

In today’s world, sustainability is more important than ever, but it can be confusing to navigate the many terms and claims you come across. Two terms that often get used interchangeably are “eco-friendly” and “sustainable,” but they actually have different meanings. Let’s break them down and explore why these distinctions matter.

What’s the Difference?

Sustainable refers to products that are designed and manufactured in a way that considers their entire life cycle—from sourcing materials to disposal. A truly sustainable product should not only minimize harm to the environment but also provide benefits to society.

On the other hand, eco-friendly describes products that are designed, made, or grown to have little to no negative impact on the environment. While all eco-friendly products are not necessarily sustainable, the goal is to reduce environmental harm as much as possible.

Why Does This Matter for Confetti?

At Shropshire Petals/Lynn South Farm, we’re committed to offering real petal confetti as an alternative to traditional plastic and paper confetti. Our mission is to educate you about the hidden environmental impacts of so-called “biodegradable” options like paper and foil confetti.

Venues and churches often specify “biodegradable confetti,” but this term can be misleading. Biodegradable doesn’t always mean eco-friendly. For example, “biodegradable paper” and “biodegradable foil” might break down over time, but they can also release harmful chemicals or gases and may not fully decompose in natural settings.

What Does Biodegradable Really Mean?

Biodegradable products can break down into smaller components through natural processes involving bacteria and microbes. Natural products, such as our petal confetti, decompose without releasing harmful substances and even contribute nutrients back to the earth. In contrast, biodegradable paper and foil might not decompose fully in the environment and can pose risks to wildlife, plus their production often involves unsustainable practices.

How We Ensure Our Products Are Truly Eco-Friendly

At Shropshire Petals/Lynn South Farm, we describe our petals as biodegradable, eco-friendly, and sustainable to ensure there’s no confusion about their environmental impact. Our petal confetti is designed to be gentle on the planet and to support a more sustainable future.

When evaluating eco-friendly products, here are some key terms to consider:

Biodegradable: Can break down into natural components.

Natural/Naturally Derived: Sourced from natural materials.

Low Carbon Footprint: Produced with minimal environmental impact.

Free of Chemicals, Dyes, or Preservatives: No nasties to harm the environment or wildlife.

Home Compostable: Can be composted at home for a closed-loop sustainable cycle.

Eco-Friendly: Designed to have minimal impact on the environment.

By understanding these terms, you can make more informed choices and support products that truly benefit the planet.

If you’re new to LSF Wholesale, or would like to discuss your requirements please contact [email protected] or call 01952 691553. Connect with myself and LSF Wholesale on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Stay tuned for Series 3 of Seeds of Change.
Helena