Have you observed the carcass of an animal or a bird decomposing and disintegrating into the soil? If you observe closely, you could find small maggots or worms that eat up the dead body. When animals or plants die, they slowly become part of the soil thanks to the presence of decomposers.
Decomposers play a crucial role in the process of recycling. They eat away the dead remains of the plants and the animals. They have the capability of breaking down organic matter and converting them into simpler substances. This means that these substances go through a cyclical life by being integrated into organisms and are used repeatedly.
Nowadays, people are encouraged to use biodegradable materials. Materials that can be broken down into simpler substances naturally are called biodegradable materials. However, human activities have hindered the process of natural recycling.
Materials such as tin, plastic and glass are non-biodegradable. These materials cannot be broken down naturally; and therefore, they can remain in the environment for hundreds or thousands of years. They can pose a threat to life and are possible health hazards.
Governments, these days, are urging people to replace non-biodegradable products with biodegradable products.
Picture Credit : Google