Frequently asked questions
What does composting mean?
The term compostable means that a material is compatible with a composting process. The European standard EN 13432 defines the characteristics a finished product must fulfil in order to be recovered through organic recovery. Compostable means that a material A, is biodegradable under composting conditions. B, disintegrates completely in one composting cycle. C, has no toxic effects and does not release heavy metals over a given value into the compost D, has no negative effect on the composting process itself.
What is the difference between compostable and biodegradable?
If a material is compostable it is automatically considered as biodegradable and can be recovered in a composting process. A biodegradable material will break down under the action of micro-organisms, but could leave residues after one composting cycle and no guarantee for toxic residues can be given. Therefore a biodegradable material cannot automatically be considered to be compostable before proof of its compostability has been given according to existing standards (EN13432).The term biodegradable is very often misused in marketing and advertising of products and materials that are not actually environmentally friendly. This is why BioBag more often uses the term compostable when describing our products. All of BioBag’s products are third-party certified compostable.
Can BioBag products biodegrade on the shelf?
No. BioBag products will not biodegrade on the shelf. Biodegradation will only be initiated in a compost environment in the presence of micro-organisms, humidity and warmth. However, a BioBag product can over time, like any other material, lose some of its mechanical properties.
How is a BioBag Compostable bag different from a traditional polyethylene plastic bag?
One of the primary differences between the BioBag compostable bag and conventional plastic bags is that the former does not last long. When it comes to traditional polythene bags, they are solely made from a non-renewable resource. On the other hand, BioBag products are made from a mixture of certified biodegradable and compostable polymers and starch. These bags will start to break down after getting exposed to microorganisms in a home or industrial compost environment and do not leave persistent microplastics behind.
What is a food waste caddy?
Food waste caddy is usually used in the kitchen to manage your food leftover. When using a food waste caddy, make sure you don’t put food packaging, pet waste, nappies, plastic bags, and liquids. Besides this, you should not put anything hot, always use a compostable liner, empty it often and close the lid. The best solution for sorting organic waste is to use a ventilated food waste caddy together with a compostable BioBag.
WHAT IS COMMIT TO GREEN?
Commit to Green is a privately-owned American social enterprise dedicated to raising environmental awareness in our communities, reducing landfill waste, and helping to leave behind a better world.
We sell compostable packaging, such as shopping and takeout bags,trash liners, and produce bags which biodegrade in only 180 days in a compost environment. (That’s compared to the 1,000 year life cycle of a plastic bag in a landfill or the ocean.)
An important part of our mission is helping consumers and businesses understand sustainability and the sustainable lifestyle and making it easy for them to purchase eco-friendly products through a closed-loop system that protects their interests. Responsible waste management greens our garbage and keeps our landfills’ growth in check, but it can also be fun, affordable, and easier than you think. Plus it just feels good.
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WHAT MAKES YOUR PRODUCTS SPECIAL?
Our products are 100% compostable and made with all natural resin derived from plant and cornstarch, which is why they biodegrade so efficiently. They contain no additives, which are sometimes used to hasten decomposition in other so-called plastic alternatives.
Our products also meet ASTM D6400 Standard Specification for Compostable Plastics.
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I WANT TO LIVE SUSTAINABLY, BUT IT SEEMS LIKE A LOT OF WORK. WHERE DO I START?
You’re not alone in that perception, but sustainable living is not only rewarding, it can be fun and easy. We’re committed to sharing our knowledge (and what we’re learning along the way!). If you’re brand new to sustainable living, a simple compost pail is a great way to start. Plus checkout our blog, The Green Life, for news, lifestyle, products we like, and lots more to come!
BUSINESS
I’M A BUSINESS OWNER. CAN I BUY WHOLESALE?
Absolutely! Please visit our Wholesale Application page to begin your application and get information on pricing and products you need to expand sustainable practices for your business. And contact us with wholesale order questions at orders@committogreen.com
For more information on how Commit to Green products can help your business thrive, explore our Business Resources page today!
SHIPPING & RETURNS
WHAT ORDERS QUALIFY FOR FREE SHIPPING?
Shipping is free on domestic orders over $50.
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HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO RECEIVE MY ORDER?
While we continue to navigate and respond to current events, Commit to Green is dedicated to making the safety of our employees and community of customers our top priority. As we fulfill orders at our warehouse, increased safety precautions are being taken at every step, and we are doing everything we can to get your orders shipped in accordance with our regular schedule.
Orders can take up to two business days to be processed and shipped. Once your order is prepared for shipment, you will receive a shipping confirmation email with your tracking information. Please also note that in some cases, your order may arrive in multiple shipments (e.g., in the case of pre-orders and backordered items).
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WHAT IS YOUR RETURN POLICY?
Except for any products designated on our website as non-returnable, we will accept a return of new, unopened products in their original condition for a refund of your purchase price, minus the original shipping and handling costs, no later than five business days (as determined in the location of delivery) after shipment. Before you return any product, you must first contact us at orders@committogreen.com and we must authorize the return to obtain a return authorization number (RAN). No returns of any type will be accepted unless you receive a return authorization number (RAN).
You will pay all shipping and handling charges on returned items, unless the returned product was incorrect or defective, in which case we will pay those charges. You bear the risk of loss during shipment. We therefore strongly recommend that you fully insure your return shipment against loss or damage and that you use a carrier that can provide you with proof of delivery for your protection.
Refunds are processed after we receive your merchandise and determine that the return complies with these terms. Any refund will be credited back to the same payment method used to make the original purchase on the site.