Chewing gum is a common item, often used for fresh breath or as a habit. Its environmental fate raises a significant question: does gum truly break down in natural environments? Understanding its journey after disposal reveals a complex reality about its interaction with the planet.
The Composition of Chewing Gum
Modern chewing gum primarily consists of a “gum base,” which provides its characteristic chewy texture. This gum base is a complex blend of synthetic polymers, waxes, elastomers, and resins, including polyisobutylene, polyvinyl acetate, and polyethylene. These components, also used in products like plastic bags, are selected for their elastic properties, allowing the gum to be chewed without dissolving.
Beyond the gum base, chewing gum contains sweeteners, flavorings, and softeners. While these additives contribute to the gum’s taste and texture and are generally biodegradable, it is the persistent, non-digestible gum base that dictates its environmental impact once discarded.
Environmental Breakdown: The Reality
Chewing gum, particularly its synthetic gum base, is not biodegradable. Unlike organic materials that decompose naturally, the synthetic polymers in gum resist such processes. This means discarded gum can persist in the environment for extended periods.
Estimates for gum’s decomposition time vary, ranging from 5 to 1,000 years. Instead of fully breaking down, the gum base undergoes a slow degradation process, fragmenting into smaller pieces. This contributes to microplastic pollution, as particles can leach into soils and waterways.
Ecological Consequences of Discarded Gum
The persistence of discarded chewing gum leads to several environmental problems. Visual pollution is an immediate consequence, as gum stains streets, sidewalks, and public spaces, creating unsightly litter. This widespread issue is global, with reports indicating that 77% of England’s streets and 99% of retail sites are stained with gum.
Cleaning up this pervasive litter is difficult and costly for municipalities. Councils in the UK, for instance, spend millions annually on gum removal, with estimates for cleaning a single square meter ranging from £1.50 to $3. Beyond aesthetics and economic burden, discarded gum threatens wildlife. Animals, particularly birds, may mistake gum for food, leading to ingestion, blockages, or even be fatal.
Responsible Disposal and Sustainable Options
Addressing the environmental impact of chewing gum begins with responsible disposal. The most straightforward method is to wrap used gum in paper or tissue and place it in a trash bin. This action prevents gum from becoming litter on pavements and in natural environments.
Innovations in the chewing gum industry are offering more sustainable alternatives. Some manufacturers are developing biodegradable gums made from natural ingredients like chicle or other plant-based polymers. These alternatives decompose more readily, often within weeks or months, significantly reducing their environmental footprint. Companies are also exploring recycling programs that repurpose discarded gum into new materials, such as rubberized products.