While reading a book a few weeks ago I read a chapter about the length of time it takes for certain items to biodegrade in the Rocky Mountains. It made me think. Although I do realize that certain things take longer to biodegrade than others, wouldn't it be neat to know exactly how long it takes for specific items? 

For example: Did you know that it takes 100 years for a single aluminum can to biodegrade? Or that it takes a plastic film canister 20-30 years to biodegrade? Styrofoam cups?? Forget it, they are here to stay, and will NOT biodegrade. Crazy, right? And to think that we use these items for maybe 10 minutes, if that. 

Not to mention the fact that our earth is suffering due to our carelessness! 

I believe that in a time of information and technology, we owe it to ourselves to realize exactly WHAT it is that we are throwing away, or recycling. Where does it end up? How long will it take to biodegrade? I love that recycling facilities are becoming more and more popular these days, but I also feel that it might help, just as a conscious consumer reminder as to HOW long the item I am purchasing will take to biodegrade, (if ever). It might enlighten us to the lasting effects that pollution has on our eco-system, just by taking a glance at the packaging.

I am petitioning to make it a requirement for all companies to include a small indentation or label on the bottom of the packing that states a number that represents the amount of time it will take for that item to biodegrade. For example: The bottom of a water bottle would have "450 yr+" on the bottom. Or a paper bag that carries your take-out food would have "1 month" on the bottom. If it's some sort of packaging, it needs a label. My ultimate goal would be for all items (clothing, bags, electronics, and even hobby items) to have a "Biodegradation Rate" (or BR) on the bottom. 

Wouldn't it be so cool to live in a world where the consumer is just as knowledgable as the company creating it? Maybe it will cut back on impulse buys, or create a more sensible outlook on purchases... causing the shopper to step back and think about the way their purchase could effect the earth, and it's future.