Chewing gum is a common part of daily routines, providing momentary pleasure for fresh breath, stress relief, or habit. While the act might seem insignificant, its widespread use raises questions about its broader environmental implications. This article explores chewing gum’s journey from ingredients to disposal, examining its environmental impact.
The Composition of Chewing Gum
Environmental concerns about chewing gum stem from its primary ingredient: the gum base. Historically, gum was made from natural tree saps, such as chicle. However, as demand increased, manufacturers shifted to synthetic alternatives by the mid-1900s, primarily due to cost and consistency.
Modern gum bases are largely composed of synthetic polymers, essentially types of plastic. These often include petroleum-derived substances like polyisobutylene, polyethylene, and polyvinyl acetate. Polyvinyl acetate, for example, is also found in glues, while polyethylene is used in plastic bags. Manufacturers typically list these ingredients under the general term “gum base” on labels, without detailing the specific polymers used.
The Problem of Gum Litter
The most noticeable environmental issue associated with chewing gum is litter. An estimated 80% to 90% of chewed gum is not disposed of properly, ending up on pavements and public surfaces. This improper disposal contributes to visual pollution; in England, for instance, 77% of streets and 99% of retail sites are stained with gum.
Chewing gum does not biodegrade easily due to its synthetic, plastic-like base. It can persist in the environment for 5 to 25 years, with some sources indicating hundreds of years. Instead of breaking down, littered gum photodegrades into smaller fragments, eventually becoming microplastics. These microplastics can then enter soil, waterways, and the food chain, posing a risk to ecosystems.
Cleaning up discarded gum is a labor-intensive and costly endeavor for municipalities. Councils in the UK, for example, spend millions annually on gum removal, with estimates ranging from £7 million to £60 million nationwide. Ingested gum can harm wildlife, potentially causing choking, digestive issues, or exposure to toxins.
Wider Environmental Footprint of Gum
Beyond litter, chewing gum contributes to environmental concerns throughout its lifecycle, from production to ultimate disposal. Manufacturing synthetic gum bases requires significant resources, including energy and petroleum-derived raw materials. This reliance on fossil fuels contributes to carbon emissions. Annually, billions of gum pieces are discarded, accumulating to approximately 250,000 tons of global waste.
The disposal of used chewing gum also poses challenges for waste management systems. Even when properly binned, its synthetic nature means it contributes to landfill waste, persisting for extended periods and adding to plastic accumulation. Some research suggests chewing gum can release microplastics into saliva during chewing.
Microplastics, whether from chewing or environmental degradation, can spread through water systems. Their persistence is a concern, as they can absorb toxins and be ingested by organisms across different trophic levels.
Towards More Sustainable Gum Habits
Addressing chewing gum’s environmental impact involves consumer behavior and industry innovation. Proper disposal is a significant step, including wrapping used gum in paper and placing it in a waste bin. Carrying a small, temporary container can also help prevent improper discarding when a bin is not immediately available. Consistent responsible disposal can reduce the visible litter that plagues public spaces.
The market is seeing an emergence of more sustainable alternatives to traditional synthetic gum. These options often utilize natural, plant-based gum bases or other natural latexes. Such biodegradable gums are designed to break down naturally, avoiding the long-term persistence of plastic-based products. Consumers can seek out brands that clearly state their use of natural ingredients and plastic-free formulations.
Innovations in gum recycling are also beginning to offer solutions for existing synthetic gum waste. Companies like Gumdrop Ltd. transform used chewing gum into new products like mobile phone covers, stationery, and shoe soles. While these recycling initiatives are not yet widely available, they represent a step towards a circular economy for chewing gum. Supporting these alternatives and advocating for greater accessibility to recycling programs can help mitigate its environmental footprint.