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Definition of biodegradable adjective from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

biodegradable

adjective
 
/ˌbaɪəʊdɪˈɡreɪdəbl/
 
/ˌbaɪəʊdɪˈɡreɪdəbl/
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  1. a substance or chemical that is biodegradable can be changed by the action of bacteria to a natural state that will not harm the environment opposite non-biodegradable
    • All active ingredients of this soap powder are 98% biodegradable within three days.
    • Most plastics are not readily biodegradable.
    Collocations The environmentThe environmentEnvironmental damage
    • cause/​contribute to climate change/​global warming
    • produce pollution/​CO2/greenhouse (gas) emissions
    • damage/​destroy the environment/​a marine ecosystem/​the ozone layer/​coral reefs
    • degrade ecosystems/​habitats/​the environment
    • harm the environment/​wildlife/​marine life
    • threaten natural habitats/​coastal ecosystems/​a species with extinction
    • deplete natural resources/​the ozone layer
    • pollute rivers and lakes/​waterways/​the air/​the atmosphere/​the environment/​oceans
    • contaminate groundwater/​the soil/​food/​crops
    • log forests/​rainforests/​trees
    Protecting the environment
    • address/​combat/​tackle the threat/​effects/​impact of climate change
    • fight/​take action on/​reduce/​stop global warming
    • limit/​curb/​control air/​water/​atmospheric/​environmental pollution
    • cut/​reduce pollution/​greenhouse gas emissions
    • offset carbon/​CO2 emissions
    • reduce (the size of) your carbon footprint
    • achieve/​promote sustainable development
    • preserve/​conserve biodiversity/​natural resources
    • protect endangered species/​a coastal ecosystem
    • prevent/​stop soil erosion/​overfishing/​massive deforestation/​damage to ecosystems
    • raise awareness of environmental issues
    • save the planet/​the rainforests/​an endangered species
    Energy and resources
    • conserve/​save/​consume/​waste energy
    • manage/​exploit/​be rich in natural resources
    • dump/​dispose of hazardous/​toxic/​nuclear waste
    • dispose of/​throw away litter/(especially British English) rubbish/(especially North American English) garbage/(North American English) trash/​sewage
    • use/​be made from recycled/​recyclable/​biodegradable material
    • recycle bottles/​packaging/​paper/​plastic/​waste
    • promote/​encourage recycling/​sustainable development/​the use of renewable energy
    • develop/​invest in/​promote renewable energy
    • reduce your dependence/​reliance on fossil fuels
    • get/​obtain/​generate/​produce electricity from wind, solar and wave power/​renewable sources
    • build/​develop a (50-megawatt/​offshore) wind farm
    • install/​be fitted with/​be powered by solar panels
    Topics The environmentc1
    Oxford Collocations DictionaryBiodegradable is used with these nouns:
    • plastic
    See full entry
See biodegradable in the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary

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sufficiently
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