More information: Rebecca Lahl et al, Third-generation biodegradable plastics – A complementary strategy to tackle the marine litter problem, Sustainable Chemistry and Pharmacy (2025).

Cats are particular about their litter, so we tested 9 of the best cat litters to compare their odor control, effectiveness and more. Four emerged as the best.

LSU Biology lab releases prototype of 3D printed biodegradable Mardi Gras beads that include seeds for earth-friendly partying.

The best natural cat litters control odors and form solid, easy-to-scoop clumps. Our top picks include eco-friendly multicat corn and wood litters.

Mylar balloons are not biodegradable. They fall into streams, hit power lines, litter landscapes, and are even occasionally found floating in the drinking water reservoir, according to TPU.

If we make and discard biodegradable single-use plastics more quickly than they decompose, that’s still a net accumulation of plastic waste—and microplastics, Thompson says.

The best litters, according to the Glenridge Animal Hospital, are ones that are all-natural and biodegradable, including walnut-based, corn-based, pea husk-based, paper-based, and even sand.

5. Take Care of Leftover Paint Cat litter can help to dispose of any leftover paint. Mix biodegradable cat litter with leftover paint to help it solidify quickly for mess-free disposal.

Cats are particular about their litter, so we tested 9 of the best cat litters to compare their odor control, effectiveness and more. Four emerged as the best.

“Biodegradable plastics according to SSbD criteria offer prospects for innovation and can be an additional strategy for tackling plastic waste in the oceans, but also on land,” says Rebecca Lahl.