What is true about biodegradable materials in terms of environmental impact?

• A. Biodegradable materials increase waste
• B. Biodegradable materials are not mentioned
• C. Biodegradable materials have no environmental benefit
• D. Development of biodegradable materials can reduce environmental impacts and waste

Answer: (D)

Biodegradable materials are designed to break down more quickly under certain conditions, which can reduce the amount of persistent waste in landfills and lessen environmental pollution when they’re disposed of properly. The real benefit comes when these materials enter appropriate disposal streams like composting or anaerobic digestion, where they can degrade into natural byproducts instead of accumulating as long-lived trash. If they’re mismanaged and end up in regular landfills or mixed recycling, the environmental advantages may be limited. So, recognizing that their development can lower environmental impacts and waste captures their potential, while also acknowledging that proper disposal is essential for realizing those benefits.