What does "biodegradable" mean?

"Biodegradable" refers specifically to the ability of a substance to be decomposed by bacteria or other biological means. This process involves the breakdown of organic materials into simpler substances, which are then reabsorbed into the environment, reducing waste and minimizing pollution. Biodegradable materials typically include natural products such as food scraps, paper, and certain plastics designed to break down over time.

In the context of sustainability, biodegradable materials play a crucial role in reducing landfill waste and enhancing the overall health of ecosystems. They provide an alternative to traditional materials that can persist in the environment for much longer periods, contributing to environmental concerns like pollution and habitat destruction.

The other options represent concepts that are not synonymous with biodegradability. For instance, the ability to be recycled and reused pertains to materials that can be processed and made into new products, which is a separate principle from biodegradation. The notion of being manufactured to last indefinitely refers to durability rather than the ability to decompose, and being completely resistant to environmental changes implies that a material won’t break down or change at all, which contradicts the fundamental idea of biodegradation.