I received a package today, which had packing peanuts in it. When I looked at the receipt for the item, it said that the packing peanuts were biodegradable. I was shocked! It said they were made from rice and potato products, and would dissolve once they came into contact with water. So, I had fun pouring half the box in my sink and cranking up the hot water. Much to my surprise the stuff actually did melt away, and went right down the drain. How crazy is that!