Packing peanuts are a common loose-fill packaging and cushioning material used to prevent damage to fragile objects during shipping. Traditional foam packing peanuts are made from polystyrene, a material commonly used to make foams and certain hard plastic products, also referred to as Styrofoam. However, polystyrene packing peanuts do not break down once discarded and can spend years in landfills, lakes, oceans, and waterways. Biodegradable packing peanuts, on the other hand, are made from naturally derived starches like wheat and cornstarch. These starches come directly from plants, and the soil is where they’ll return after use. Biodegradable packing peanuts are often green to help distinguish them from their foam counterparts. They are also non-static and won’t stick to clothes, rugs, or fabric. Being biodegradable and nontoxic, they are safe for humans and pets if ingested accidentally.