Save the Fish
Rubber boot sole: how long does it take to break down in the sea?
Estimated time to break down in the sea: > 50 years. Source: Every Kid Outdoors (everykidoutdoors.gov). The source gives 50–80 years. We show the lowest figure, so the item never looks safer than it is. This figure comes from a classroom sheet without a cited study; we use it only for items the EPA chart does not list.
Rubber boot sole: why is it harmful to the sea?
Synthetic rubber wears into tiny particles with additives.
Rubber boot sole: does it really disappear?
Not for decades. Synthetic rubber wears into tiny particles that carry additives into the water.
Rubber boot sole: how harmful is it compared with other trash?
Harm score 5 out of 10: lasts 3/4, toxic 2/3, wildlife 0/3. It ranks 21 of 31 on our list. This score is our own simple scale for comparing items in the game. It is not an official index.
Rubber boot sole: what is it made of?
Material: Synthetic rubber. A typical one is about 30 cm long and weighs about 600 g.
Rubber boot sole: what can I do?
Take old shoes and boots to a collection point: rubber wears into tiny bits that reach the sea.
Rubber boot sole: what lasts longer, and what breaks down sooner?
Lasts longer: Foam buoy, Plastic bag, Aluminium can. Breaks down sooner: Foam cup, Foam food box, Candy wrapper.
Rubber boot sole: where does this figure come from?
From “Environmental Stewardship (Trash Timeline resource sheet)”, Every Kid Outdoors, U.S. federal interagency program (lesson made with Scholastic). Checked on 2026-10-04.
The source's limits (in English): Classroom estimates without a cited study; used only for items the EPA chart does not list.