Kudos: Blue Ribbon Organics Makes Strides in Plastic Reduction
Jun 30, 2023 12:00AM ● By Natural Awakenings Milwaukee
Four years ago, leadership at Caledonia-based Blue Ribbon Organics chose to prohibit the composting of manufactured materials labeled compostable, including take-out containers and trash and produce bags, at their composting facilities. The decision was due to the presence of polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and hidden non-compostable items in many of these products, which interfered with Blue Ribbon’s composting process. They continue to see the decision is having positive effects for both their business and the environment.
For more information about the effects of polyfluoroalkyl substances on human health, visit Tinyurl.com/5n6zk5wz. For more information about Blue Ribbon Organics, visit BlueRibbonOrganics.com.
“Those items stubbornly refused to break down, despite the product reaching the necessary temperatures in the composting process,” says Blue Ribbon owner James Jutrzonka. Prohibiting these products had a near-instant effect: Blue Ribbon saw their previous contamination challenges nearly disappear.
Many local companies had (and have) switched to manufactured compostable options in an effort to create less waste. While Jutrzonka notes their intentions are compassionate and kind, Blue Ribbon’s concerns over PFAS were too great for them, in good conscience, to include the items in their products.
For more information about the effects of polyfluoroalkyl substances on human health, visit Tinyurl.com/5n6zk5wz. For more information about Blue Ribbon Organics, visit BlueRibbonOrganics.com.
