Styrofoam and plastic milk jugs are biodegradable! Do you know what isn't biodegradable? Paper!

Styrofoam and plastic milk jugs are biodegradable! Do you know what isn't biodegradable? Paper!

Rush Limbaugh, the conservative radio host known for his controversial statements and staunch support of conservative ideals, has often been criticized for his views on environmental issues. One of the most notable examples of this is his assertion that Styrofoam and plastic milk jugs are biodegradable, while paper is not.

Limbaugh's claim that Styrofoam and plastic milk jugs are biodegradable is simply not true. Styrofoam, also known as polystyrene, is a type of plastic that is not biodegradable. It can take hundreds of years to break down in the environment, and even then, it only breaks down into smaller pieces that can be harmful to wildlife and ecosystems. Plastic milk jugs are also not biodegradable, as they are made from high-density polyethylene, a type of plastic that can take hundreds of years to decompose.

On the other hand, paper is a biodegradable material. Made from wood pulp, paper can break down naturally in the environment, usually within a few weeks to a few months, depending on the conditions. Paper is also recyclable, meaning it can be reused to make new paper products, reducing the need for new trees to be cut down.

Limbaugh's assertion that paper is not biodegradable may stem from a misunderstanding of the differences between biodegradable and compostable materials. While paper is biodegradable, it is not necessarily compostable, as it may take longer to break down in a composting environment compared to other organic materials like food scraps or yard waste.