Frequently Asked Questions
Choose from the following categories to find answers to common questions
about Back2Earth.
I. About our Products
II. Product Manufacturing
III. Product Disposal
I. About our Products
What is wheat stalk, and why do you use it to make your products?
Wheat stalk is a byproduct of the wheat harvesting process. The stalks are what remain after the grain is removed from the plant, and they’re typically discarded or burned. We decided to use wheat stalk not only because it’s compostable and annually renewable but also because it’s an otherwise wasted resource.
I have a wheat allergy. Can I still use Back2Earth products?
Our products are made from wheat stalks rather than the wheat grain, which is the part of the plant that stores proteins and allergens. Therefore our products are gluten-free and safe for people with wheat allergies. Our products are laboratory tested for Gluten and certification is available upon request. Heather@back2earth.net.
Do your products contain any bleach?
No, we never use chlorine bleach in the production of any Back2Earth products.
Is there any GMO material in your products?
No, all of our products are GMO-free. We have our products laboratory tested for GMO and certification is available upon request. Heather@back2earth.net
Is the ink on your product labels toxic?
No, all of our inks are vegetable-based and safe for the environment and your compost.
Are your products safe for the microwave? What about the freezer?
Yes and yes and yes. Our products safe in the oven up to 350 degrees.
What’s wrong with the Styrofoam meat trays that my local market uses?
Styrofoam meat trays take thousands of years to decompose. Because of their low reclaim value there are close to no facilities that will take Styrofoam back for recycling. Styrofoam is also made from petroleum, which is a non-renewable resource. Additionally the EPA has listed Styrofoam as a possible carcinogen due to the chemicals it contains.
Is the pad that the meat sits on compostable too?
Yes, Back2Earth manufactures meat pads for use with our meat trays and recommends that our customers use the trays in conjunction with the pads.
How do I know if it’s an Back2Earth product?
Look for the Back2Earth logo on the inside bottom of our meat trays and other products.
II. Product Manufacturing
Where are your products manufactured?
Our products are manufactured in China.
Why China?
After extensive research and careful consideration, we decided to choose an eco-friendly manufacturing company in China based on the company’s relative proximity to organic wheat stalk suppliers. All things considered, we’ve minimized the distance that the materials and finished products must travel to get to our Massachusetts warehouse.
Why can’t the product be made locally?
Although we’d prefer to manufacture locally, there are no wheat stalk product manufacturers in the U.S. We are exploring ways to increase the percentage of packaging and product handling that can be done by local workers.
How can you ensure that the manufacturer follows Back2Earth’s high business standards as they relate to the environment and working conditions?
We regularly visit our Chinese manufacturers and meet with management and employees to ensure that they’re following our socially responsible and eco-friendly business practices. Before choosing our manufacturer, we spent months interviewing employees and researching the company’s commitment to sustainability, treatment of workers, and use of organic raw materials.
III. Product Disposal
Can I put your products in my home composter?
Yes. Although we cannot guarantee a specific time period for full decomposition, our testing indicates a period of 120 days or less in your home composter.
What if the products end up in a landfill?
As with other paper-based or pulp-based products, Back2Earth products will decompose regardless of where they end up.
Is the packing that your products come in also compostable?
Yes, all materials we use are plant-based and fully compostable.
Where can I find a commercial compost facility?
Go to findacomposter.com for the facility nearest to you.
What if my town incinerates our trash?
That’s great! We believe the most responsible and productive way to dispose of our products is to burn them as clean biofuel in a proper facility. If incinerated, our products will not release any toxic elements into the air.
If your question hasn’t been answered,
please contact heather@Back2Earth.net for more information.
