Is crystal cat litter biodegradable? (7 alternatives)

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The article will deliberate the biodegradability of crystal cat litter while also covering topics such as 

  • Is it compostable?
  • Is it eco-friendly?
  • What are the greener alternatives?
  • What is it made of?

Is crystal cat litter biodegradable? 

To develop a stance on the biodegradability of crystal cat litter, it is essential to know what crystal cat litter is made of because the ingredients or the materials used can tell a lot about any product including the environmental parameters such as biodegradability. 

Crystal cat litter is made from silica gel, which is derived from sand. While the ingredient may seem to be natural and eco-friendly, the ground reality begs to differ. 

Is it biodegradable?

Silica gel is naturally derived but the fact of the matter is that it is not biodegradable. As it turns out, biodegradation happens when there is organic material present. To advance further, we need to re-assess what biodegradation is. 

Biodegradation can be explained as the breakdown that is caused by the action of microbes such as bacteria or fungi. It is nature’s way to make sure that there is no waste buildup. 

Biodegradation is an important concept because, without it, the whole world will become a huge heap of waste. However, biodegradation is not that simple. There are certain conditions that need to be met. 

Some of the conditions include the material should be sourced from nature, should be organic in nature and it also should be eco-friendly. 

When it comes to the case of crystal cat litter, it is made of silica gel. Silica gel is sourced from nature but it is inorganic in nature. This means that it will not degrade into simpler materials. 

Therefore, it can be confirmed that crystal cat litter is non-biodegradable because of its inorganic nature. 

Is crystal cat litter eco-friendly?

No, crystal cat litter can not be given the status of being eco-friendly because of the following reasons 

  • It is made of non-biodegradable materials 
  • It can not be composted 
  • It consumes more than other plant-based cat litters
  • The production process is energy exhaustive 

It is made of non-biodegradable materials 

It already has been assessed that crystal cat litter is made of silica gel. Silica gel is sourced from nature but it is inorganic in nature. This means that it will not degrade into simpler materials. 

Therefore, it can be confirmed that crystal cat litter is non-biodegradable because of its inorganic nature. 

It can not be composted

The term biodegradation and composting travel parallel. When something is not biodegradable, chances are it also is not compostable. 

The same is observed in the case of crystal cat litter. Composting is done so that there is an increase in the organic content of the soil and therefore, as a result, there are benefits achieved such as increased yield, better production et cetera. 

However, in the case of crystal cat litter, the organic inside is missing and therefore, the basic essence of composting can not be fulfilled. In light of this, it can be said that crystal cat litter can not be composted. 

The production steers away from environmental interests 

It is a known fact that crystal cat litter is made from silica which needs to be mined. What this means is that there is the use of energy and most probably non-renewable sources of energy. 

There are many problems and complications that are associated and anchored with the concept of mining. First is that, with mining, there is the consumption of non-renewable sources of energy. 

This not only means that the non-renewable sources are depleted, but also that there is the addition of environmental problems such as pollution, global warming et cetera. 

Another problem that is usually attached or anchored with the mining process is the blatant neglect of human rights as humans are forced to work like animals and many lives are lost in this process. 

What can you do? (7 alternatives) 

It has been established that crystal cat litter is not safe for the planet and there would be long-term impacts on the people as well. Therefore, the important question that needs to be addressed is what can be done by consumers. 

The best thing that you can do is to avoid the use of non-biodegradable litter and prefer litter made from biodegradable materials. 

When it comes to cat litter, the best options include ones that are made from natural and plant-based materials so that the use and disposal of cat litter are also made eco-friendly other than the production. 

Eco-friendly cat litter are usually made from materials such as

  • Wheat-based Cat Litter 
  • Walnut-based Cat Litter
  • Wood-based Cat Litter
  • Corn-based Cat Litter
  • Grass Seed Cat Litter
  • Recycled Paper Cat Litter

When looking for eco-friendly cat litter, some of the key features you need to focus on include:

  • Naturally-derived 
  • Biodegradable and compostable 
  • Made from recycled material 
  • Made from clean energy 
  • Avoid the use of chemicals, fragrances, and preservatives 

Based on these features, let us explore some examples:

  • World’s best cat litter
  • Feline cat litter
  • Arm and hammer cat litter
  • Littermaid cat litter
  • TofuKitty cat litter 
  • Okocat
  • Pioneer pet cat litter 

Conclusion 

It is concluded that in the case of crystal cat litter, it is made of silica gel. Silica gel is sourced from nature but it is inorganic in nature. This means that it will not degrade into simpler materials. 

Therefore, it can be confirmed that crystal cat litter is non-biodegradable because of its inorganic nature. 

The article also discussed how crystal cat litter is bad for the environment that included points such as environmental problems, mining complications, consumption of non-renewable resources, and the impossibility of biodegradation and composting. 

Therefore, the article gave greener and healthier options that included points such as 

  • Naturally-derived 
  • Biodegradable and compostable 
  • Made from recycled material 
  • Made from clean energy 
  • Avoid the use of chemicals, fragrances, and preservatives 

References 

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