Instead of using string for the trimmer use a cutting blade. (One came with my Cub Cadet in addition to the string spool)

It will cut as well, in some cases maybe to well so you need to use one with extreme care. With the blade it becomes a skill saw on a stick.

BlairJ, that's a reasonable concern, but I have been using regular string trimmers for 25 years at our place. I rarely see any orange string, only time I do is from a large piece cut from the original line replacement that I forgot to pick up.

Most of the plastic line comes off in fine dust or small shreds. The UV light probably destroys it in a few seasons, reverted back to its molecular components.

I'm a big lover of nature too, but maybe more of the George Carlin type.

If you that concerned use some hand scissors, hand Scythe or the mechinical cutter wheel with the handle. What do you think we done before all the modern tools.

Kudos to you for getting me thinking. The answer is yes, but as of yet- it isn't available at either of my distributors. Below is a slow loading link with a flyer. Or use the Googler and search for Oregon Biotrim. In the OEP book, it shows as becoming available in 2013 in .095 and .080"

Here is a link that might be useful: OEP

The tiny bits of plastic that come off these things are a major problem with birds and waterways — and no, plastic doesn't magically "disappear", that's where the problem lies:
http://earthisland.org/journal/index.php/elist/eListRead/strung_out/
Manufacturers should switch to biodegradable string or other options... until then, homeowners need to think carefully about whether keeping a manicured garden is worth destroying our health and environment....

Boom! :-) Bio-Line http://www.lasersalesinc.ca/templates/group_ProductList.aspx?GroupGuid=604

Biodegradable trimmer line exists. Two important questions that never seem to get answered: Does it degrade in the actual conditions where it will be (a lawn, variable sun and moisture) or just in controlled lab conditions? What does it turn into -- smaller bits of harmful synthetic chemicals or natural organic matter?

I don't know the answer to the question about what conditions are required for the line to biodegrade the box says it will degrade in the natural environment. However, I do know that the biodegradable line currently available is not strong enough, It breaks almost immediately, It really doesn't work at all. If anyone would like me to send them the line I bought so they can test it for themselves? It's the same type Daniel linked to above. the thickness is .080"