: Specially designed compostable products are popping up all over the place. You might receive them with your take-out food, find them at zero waste events, or decide to buy them to make your next get-together more sustainable. So how can you tell if something is compostable? There is a lot of misleading labeling around on so called sustainable products by companies trying to get in on the trend. So don’t be fooled. For instance, if a product says it is bio-degradable, it isn’t necessarily compostable. Even products made from plants isn’t a sure bet. Compostable products should be clearly labeled with the word compostable and should include the BPI certification label. Anything with this logo has been tested and confirmed safe and compostable in an industrial compost facility. Though this cup looks like plastic it is not. Plastic is made from petroleum but this special cup is actually made entirely from plants. Polylactic Acid (PLA) is a bioplastic made from plant starch that is commonly used in compostable products. Other compostable products like this are primarily made from paper but contain a bioplastic lining to help contain liquids. They can look a lot like the paper and plastic products that we are used to but take a moment to find out if it is compostable. When in doubt, throw it out.When hosting a party, reusable dishes are always the best option but if that isn’t possible, consider using compostable products. They are durable, attractive and they have become increasingly more affordable. You can buy certified compostable products in a growing number of places like your local natural food stores to large chain supermarkets and internet retailers. You can also purchase zero waste event kits which can make your zero waste party a success. One important note about compostable products, just buying them isn’t enough. When you are done using them, they must go to an industrial composting facility so they can properly break down into rich, valuable compost. They don’t belong in the recycling bin or in the trash. If they end up in the trash, they will take up landfill space and rot slowly, creating potent greenhouse gases and destroying the potential to put nutrients back into the soil. So be on the lookout for compostable products and be sure to toss them into the compost bin when you are done. For more information on composting, visit www.bouldercountyrecycles.org and remember reduce, reuse, recycle and compost.