(pronounced BI-oh-dih-GRAY-deh-behl)

We put this word in the DESIGN SPEAK section instead of the SAY WHAT? section because it is increasingly becoming a consideration when specifying products and materials in the design industry. If something is biodegradable, then it is made up of a material (or a combination of materials) that will break down over time with the help of a few friends, a.k.a. micro-organisms. If done correctly, this disintegration process will be safe – i.e., cause no off-gassing and result in something non-toxic. Otherwise, what would be the point, right?