Chewing gum is one of the most widely consumed products in the world, with billions of pieces chewed globally each year. But have you ever wondered what happens to all that gum after we're done chewing? Unfortunately, conventional chewing gum poses significant environmental challenges—from its synthetic ingredients to improper disposal that litters streets and ecosystems.
The good news is that eco-conscious consumers now have more options than ever. In this guide, we'll explore the environmental impact of traditional gum, introduce sustainable alternatives, and share best practices for responsible gum disposal. Whether you're a casual chewer or a daily gum enthusiast, small changes in your gum habits can contribute to a healthier planet.
The Environmental Problem with Conventional Gum
To understand why sustainable gum matters, it's important to recognise the environmental challenges associated with conventional chewing gum.
Synthetic Gum Base
Most modern chewing gum uses a gum base made from synthetic polymers—essentially plastic. Common base ingredients include polyisobutylene (used in inner tubes) and polyvinyl acetate (a type of plastic also used in glue). These materials are designed to be chewed indefinitely without breaking down, which is great for the chewing experience but terrible for the environment.
When conventional gum is discarded improperly, it doesn't biodegrade. Instead, it persists in the environment for years, potentially decades. This means every piece of gum carelessly dropped on a sidewalk, stuck under a table, or thrown out a car window remains as pollution for an extraordinarily long time.
Litter and Urban Pollution
Gum litter is a significant urban problem worldwide. Walk down any city street and you'll see dark spots on the pavement—often old gum that has been trampled and darkened over time. In the UK alone, it's estimated that over £150 million is spent annually on gum removal from public spaces.
Beyond the visual blight, improperly discarded gum can be tracked into homes and businesses, soil clothing, and damage surfaces. It's one of the most common and persistent forms of litter, precisely because it doesn't break down naturally.
An estimated 374 billion pieces of gum are sold worldwide each year. Studies suggest that 80-90% of chewing gum is not disposed of properly. A single piece of conventional gum can take 50+ years to fully degrade in the environment.
Wildlife and Ecosystem Impact
Discarded gum can pose risks to wildlife. Birds and small animals may mistake gum for food, potentially causing digestive blockages or harm. Gum stuck to feathers or fur can impair an animal's ability to fly or maintain proper body temperature. In aquatic environments, gum adds to the growing problem of plastic pollution.
Sustainable Gum Alternatives
In response to these environmental concerns, several companies have developed eco-friendly gum options that offer a more sustainable chewing experience.
Natural and Biodegradable Gum Bases
The most significant innovation in sustainable gum is the return to natural gum bases. Before synthetic polymers became standard in the mid-20th century, gum was made from natural tree resins—primarily chicle from the sapodilla tree. Today, several brands have revived this tradition.
Chicle-based gums use the same natural latex that ancient Mayans and Aztecs chewed. Chicle is harvested sustainably from sapodilla trees, which are not harmed in the process. Gum made from chicle is biodegradable, breaking down naturally over time instead of persisting as plastic pollution.
Other natural bases used in eco-friendly gums include mastic resin and other tree-derived substances. These natural alternatives offer similar chewing experiences to conventional gum while being gentler on the planet.
What to Look for in Eco-Friendly Gum
When shopping for sustainable gum, look for these characteristics:
- Natural gum base: Check for chicle, mastic, or other natural resins in the ingredients
- Biodegradable claims: Look for products specifically marketed as biodegradable
- Plastic-free packaging: Some eco-conscious brands use compostable or recyclable packaging
- Organic ingredients: Organic certification often indicates broader environmental consciousness
- Natural sweeteners: Products using natural sweeteners like stevia or organic cane sugar
- Made with natural chicle or other plant-based gum bases
- Biodegradable—breaks down naturally over time
- Often uses natural flavours and sweeteners
- Typically comes in minimal or recyclable packaging
- May be more expensive but reduces environmental impact
Proper Gum Disposal: Best Practices
Regardless of whether you chew conventional or eco-friendly gum, proper disposal is essential. Here's how to dispose of your gum responsibly:
Always Use a Wrapper or Bin
The simplest rule is: never spit gum onto the ground, stick it under furniture, or throw it out a window. Always dispose of used gum in a rubbish bin. If a bin isn't immediately available, wrap the gum in its original wrapper, a piece of paper, or tissue and keep it until you can dispose of it properly.
Many gum packages are designed with disposal in mind—the paper sleeve that holds the gum pieces can be used to wrap chewed gum before throwing it away. Make use of this feature.
Consider Carrying a Gum Disposal Kit
If you're a regular gum chewer, consider keeping small squares of paper or a dedicated pouch in your bag or pocket for gum disposal. Some brands sell purpose-made gum disposal sachets that make responsible disposal easier on the go.
Never Flush Gum
Flushing gum down the toilet might seem like a convenient disposal method, but it can contribute to plumbing problems and adds non-biodegradable material to water treatment systems. Always use the bin instead.
Teach Children Good Habits
If you have children who chew gum, instil proper disposal habits from the beginning. Make wrapping and binning gum part of the routine, and explain why it matters for the environment. Good habits formed early last a lifetime.
Get in the habit of keeping the gum wrapper in your pocket until you're done chewing. When finished, wrap the gum in the same wrapper and dispose of both together. This simple practice ensures you're never caught without a disposal option.
The Broader Environmental Picture
While individual gum choices may seem small, they're part of a larger pattern of consumption that affects the environment. Thinking about gum sustainability can be a gateway to broader environmental consciousness.
Reducing Single-Use Plastics
Conventional gum packaging often involves multiple layers of plastic and foil. By choosing brands with minimal packaging or recyclable materials, you reduce single-use plastic waste. Some eco-conscious gum brands use paper-based packaging that can be composted or recycled.
Supporting Sustainable Practices
When you purchase natural chicle-based gum, you're supporting sustainable forestry practices. Chicle harvesting provides income to communities in Mexico and Central America while incentivising forest preservation. The sapodilla trees are not cut down—chicle is extracted similarly to maple syrup, allowing trees to continue growing and providing habitat for wildlife.
The Ripple Effect
Thinking carefully about something as small as gum disposal can build mindfulness about environmental impacts more broadly. The habits and awareness developed around sustainable gum choices often extend to other areas of consumption.
Making the Switch
If you're considering switching to eco-friendly gum, here are some practical tips:
Start with curiosity. Try a few different natural gum brands to find one you enjoy. Texture and flavour may differ from conventional gum, so give yourself time to adjust and explore options.
Be patient with availability. Eco-friendly gums may not be available at every corner store. Online retailers typically offer the widest selection, and health food stores often stock natural gum brands.
Expect different pricing. Natural gum typically costs more than conventional options due to more expensive ingredients and smaller-scale production. Consider it an investment in environmental responsibility.
Focus on disposal even if you don't switch. If natural gum isn't right for you or isn't accessible, you can still make a positive impact by committing to responsible disposal of whatever gum you do chew.
Conclusion
Chewing gum is a small pleasure, but our collective gum habits have a measurable environmental impact. By choosing sustainable gum alternatives and committing to responsible disposal, we can enjoy gum while minimising harm to the planet.
Whether you make the switch to biodegradable gum or simply become more mindful about how you dispose of conventional products, every positive change contributes to a cleaner, healthier environment. The next time you reach for a piece of gum, consider both what you're chewing and where it will end up—small choices, made consistently, add up to significant impact.