The process of being broken down by living organisms like bacteria and fungi into simpler, natural substances.
From bio- (life) + degradation (breaking down). Term developed in 1970s as environmental science studied pollution and what happens when organic matter decays naturally.
Composting is just speeding up biodegradation—you're creating ideal conditions for bacteria and fungi to break down your food scraps into soil, the same thing that would happen slowly in nature.
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