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Plastics mainly consist of polyethylene[C 2 H 4 ]and polyvinyl chloride
[C2H4O]n.

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In 1909, American Beckland synthesized the first artificial plastics in the world.

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Plastics  have many good properties
1. Most plastics have strong corrosion resistance and do not react with acids or bases.

2. Low cost of plastic manufacturing.

3, durable, waterproof, light weight.

4. Easy to be molded into different shapes.

5, is a good insulator.

6, plastic can be used to prepare fuel oil and fuel gas, which can reduce the consumption of crude oil.

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Plastic is one of the most revolutionary and influential materials on the planet. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, containers and packaging--including plastic bottles--make up the largest category of produced plastic products. While plastic bottles are convenient and hygienic, they're also responsible for extensive resource depletion and environmental damage.

Good: Convenience

Being able to tote around a bottle of water or soda and discard it when it's empty is undeniably convenient. Water fountains are occasionally soiled or in disrepair, and aren't available anywhere, anytime. Reusable bottles can't be tossed once they're empty, and if lost, are expensive to replace. You can find any beverage you desire in a convenient plastic bottle, from water to chocolate milk to juice.

Good: Hygiene

Plastic bottles are generally cleaner than reusable bottles. Because they're intended for one-time use, they don't need to be maintained or washed. Plastic water bottles can be reused, although they should be rinsed thoroughly between uses and shouldn't be reused extensively, due to possible contamination and chemical exposure. Furthermore, the water inside plastic bottles is generally purified or filtered, so there's less risk of ingesting toxins that may be found in tap water.

Bad: Waste

Each year, more than 26 billion plastic water bottles are thrown away, and of those, less than 15 percent are recycled. The bottles that aren't recycled end up in landfills and don't degrade, so they're forever a part of landfills and ocean waste zones. According to the New York Department of Environmental Conservation, 30 million single-use plastic bottles end up in landfills or as litter every day.

Bad: Production Effects

The production of plastic bottles is incredibly taxing on resources, including water. Transporting and distributing water bottles also strains gas, oil and other natural resources. According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, more than 800,000 metric tons of greenhouse gasses were released into the atmosphere in 2005 due to plastic bottle manufacturing.

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Plastic is one of the most revolutionary and influential materials on the planet. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, containers and packaging--including plastic bottles--make up the largest category of produced plastic products. While plastic bottles are convenient and hygienic, ...

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1. It is difficult and economically uneconomic to classify waste plastics when they are recycled.

2, plastic is easy to burn, burning when the production of toxic gases.

3, plastic is made from petroleum refining products, petroleum resources are limited.

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Here's Why Plastic Is SO MUCH Worse Than You Think!

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Because most of the plastic in the oceans is in the form of particles and sediment at the bottom, it's difficult to determine exactly how much, but most scientists estimate that 8 million tons of plastic are dumped into our oceans every year, compared with the current estimate of 150 million tons

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We should try to reduce the use of plastic, use plastic bags as little as possible, shopping should bring their own bags.For white trash we can not be buried directly, we should effectively collect and recycle it

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Because after human use plastic , They just drop litter everywhere. This case very bad environment .

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What really happens to the plastic you throw away - Emma Bryce

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Lots of Chines don't know they should recycle Plastic. Plastic waste is one of the most serious problem in China

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Explore National Geographic. A world leader in geography, cartography and exploration.

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Good job Jim! your padlet is very its easy to understand. I know what you wrote down and its mean, and I can see the plastic is very cheap and its very durable and it's easy to molded into different shapes as well, so that's the good thing. And there are some bad things for example the plastic is easy to burn and Some harmful gases are released and the chamicals is bad for the soil it will into the soil but I think you haven't complete it because you haven't answer all the questions before I read you padlet I just know its bad for the environment but I don't know the specific reason. but now I know the chemical reason about that.

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Well done jim! your padlet makes me learn more about Plastic and the envioment  I also know how we can do to protect the environment and reduce the pollution to the environment in our daily life I know that I should try to reduce the use of plastic in life  I think you should talk about plastic is not good for the environment, how do we use plastic properly and deal with the plastic after use?

Jim:Thanks for your suggestionI talk  about it in the last padlet. You can learn information  from that padlet.If you want to learn more you can kick the website below.

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Plastic is found in virtually everything these days. Your food and hygiene products are packaged in it. Your car, phone and computer are made from it. And you might even chew on it daily in the form of gum. While most plastics are touted as recyclable, the reality is that they're "downcycled." A plastic milk carton can never be recycled into another carton - it can be made into a lower-quality item like plastic lumber, which can't be recycled.

How big is our plastic problem? Of the 33 million tons of plastic waste generated in the U.S. each year, only 7 percent is recycled. This plastic waste ends up in landfills, beaches, rivers and oceans and contributes to such devastating problems as the Great Pacific Ocean Garbage Patch, a swirling vortex of garbage the size of a continent where plastic outnumbers plankton. Plus, most plastic is made from oil.

Luckily, there are simple steps you can take that will dramatically decrease the amount of plastic waste you generate.

Just say no to straws

One of the easiest ways to keep plastic out of the landfill is to refuse plastic straws. Simply inform your waiter or waitress that you don't need one, and make sure to specify this when ordering at a drive-thru. Can't fathom giving up the convenience of straws? Purchase a reusable stainless steel or glass drinking straw. Restaurants are less likely to bring you a plastic one if they see that you've brought your own.

Use reusable produce bags

About 1 million plastic bags are used every minute, and a single plastic bag can take 1,000 years to degrade. If you're already bringing reusable bags to the grocery store, you're on the right track, but if you're still using plastic produce bags, it's time to make a change. Purchase some reusable produce bags and help keep even more plastic out of the landfill. However, avoid those bags made from nylon or polyester because they're also made from plastic. Opt for cotton ones instead.

Give up gum

Gum was originally made from tree sap called chicle, a natural rubber, but when scientists created synthetic rubber, polyethylene and polyvinyl acetate began to replace the natural rubber in most gum. Not only are you chewing on plastic, but you may also be chewing on toxic plastic - polyvinyl acetate is manufactured using vinyl acetate, a chemical shown to cause tumors in lab rats. While it is possible to recycle your gum, it may be best to skip it - and its plastic packaging - altogether.

Buy boxes, not bottles

Buy laundry detergent and dish soap in boxes instead of plastic bottles. Cardboard can be more easily recycled and made into more products than plastic.

Buy from bulk bins

Many stores, such as Whole Foods, sell bulk foods like rice, pasta, beans, nuts, cereal and granola, and opting to fill a reusable bag or container with these items will save both money and unnecessary packaging. Stores have various methods for deducting the container weight so simply check with customer service before filling your container. Also, many cotton bags have their weights printed on their tags so they can simply be deducted at the checkout.

Reuse glass containers

You can buy a variety of prepared foods in glass jars instead of plastic ones, including spaghetti sauce, peanut butter, salsa and applesauce, just to name a few. Instead of throwing these away or recycling them, reuse the jars to store food or take them with you when you're buying bulk foods. If you have plastic containers leftover from yogurt, butter or other food, don't throw them out. Simply wash them and use them to store food.

Use reusable bottles and cups

Bottled water produces 1.5 million tons of plastic waste per year, and these bottles require 47 millions gallons of oil to produce, according to Food & Water Watch. By simply refilling a reusable bottle, you'll prevent some of these plastic bottles from ending up in landfills and oceans - but don't stop there. Bring a reusable cup to coffee shops and ask the barista to fill it up, and keep a mug at your desk instead of using plastic, paper or Styrofoam cups. The average American office worker uses about 500 disposable cups a year so you'll be preventing a lot of unnecessary waste.

Bring your own container

Whether you're picking up takeout or bringing home your restaurant leftovers, be prepared with your own reusable containers. When you place your order, ask if you can get the food placed in your own container. Most restaurants will have no problem with it.

Use matches

If you need to light a candle, build a campfire or start a fire for any other reason, opt for matches over disposable plastic lighters. These cheap plastic devices sit in landfills for years and have even been found in dead birds' stomachs. If you can't bear to part with your lighter, pick up a refillable metal one to help cut down on waste.

Skip the frozen foods section

Frozen foods offer both convenience and plenty of plastic packaging - even those eco-friendly packaged items made from cardboard are actually coated in a thin layer of plastic. While giving up frozen food can be difficult, there are benefits besides the obvious environmental ones: You'll be eating fewer processed foods and avoiding the chemicals in the packaging.

Don't use plasticware

Say goodbye to disposable chopsticks, knives, spoons, forks and even sporks. If you often forget to pack silverware in your lunch, or if you know your favorite restaurant only has plasticware, start keeping a set of utensils. It's sure to reduce your carbon forkprint.

Return reusable containers

If you buy berries or cherry tomatoes at the farmers market, simply bring the plastic containers to the market when you need a refill. You can even ask your local grocer to take the containers back and reuse them.

Use cloth diapers

According to the EPA, 7.6 billion pounds of disposable diapers are discarded in the U.S. each year. Plus, it takes about 80,000 pounds of plastic and more than 200,000 trees a year to manufacture disposable diapers for American babies alone. By simply switching to cloth diapers, you'll not only reduce your baby's carbon footprint, you'll also save money.

Don't buy juice

Instead of buying juice in plastic bottles, make your own fresh-squeezed juice or simply eat fresh fruit. Not only does this cut down on plastic waste, but it's also better for you because you'll be getting more vitamins and antioxidants and less high fructose corn syrup.

Clean green

There's no need for multiple plastic bottles of tile cleaner, toilet cleaner and window cleaner if you have a few basics on hand like baking soda and vinegar. So free up some space, save some cash, and avoid those toxic chemicals by making your own cleaning products.

Pack a lunch the right way

If your lunchbox is full of disposable plastic containers and sandwich bags, it's time to make a change. Instead of packing snacks and sandwiches in bags, put them in reusable containers you have at home, or try lunch accessories like reusable snack bags. You can also opt for fresh fruit instead of single-serving fruit cups, and buy items like yogurt and pudding in bulk and simply put a portion in a reusable dish for lunch.

16 simple ways to reduce plastic waste

Here are easy things you can do to dramatically decrease the amount of plastic pollution you make.

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Plastic is found in virtually everything these days. Your food and hygiene products are packaged in it. Your car, phone and computer are made from it. And you might even chew on it daily in the form of gum. While most plastics are touted as recyclable, the reality is that they're "downcycled."

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Thanks or your sharing!It's a really  nice work! I can understand your texts easily. The video tell me more about pollution in the ocean. It's hard to resolve and will kill the animal in the ocean.  I realize that  pollution is very terrible for our environment. We need to try to use less plastic bags. Keep ocean clean is a big mission to us.  I also know more about good things about the plastic. It's a good insutor and it's very cheap I think you can have more information about the chemical. I like your work very much ! Could you tell me does plastic bottle or plastic bags bad for our daily life or effect our body health?

From Jim:

Plastic pollution does not directly harm people.It's step by step.First it will pollute water and soil . you know what will happened . Many vagetables will die.Then animals will die.Human will have nothing to eat.

If you want to know more about how does it hurts our body in chemistry you can kick the website below.

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Author: Gianna Andrews

This case study is part of a collection of pages developed by students in the 2012 introductory-level Geology and Human Health course in the Department of Earth Sciences, Montana State University. Learn more about this project.

Over a few decades, humans have managed to dump tons upon tons of garbage into the ocean. Of the most devastating elements of this pollution is that plastics takes thousands of years to decay. As a result, fish and wildlife are becoming intoxicated. Consequently the toxins from the plastics have entered the food chain, threatening human health. In the most polluted places in the ocean, the mass of plastic exceeds the amount of plankton six times over. This is a large piece of evidence that leaves the problem of polluted oceans undeniable. It is upsetting that more of clean up effort is not taking place.

The Three Plastic Islands

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, also know as the Pacific Trash Vortex or gyre, is located in the central North Pacific Ocean and is larger than the state of Texas. There are also garbage patches in the Indian and Atlantic ocean. The patches are defined as containing a higher amount of plastic as compared to surrounding oceans. To date, five patches in total have been discovered.

Plastics are transported and converge in the ocean where currents meet. This means that huge plastic islands are made as a result. SES (Sea Education Society) scientists studied plastics in the Atlantic and calculated there are 580,000 pieces of plastic per square kilometer.

Sources of Plastic Toxins Entering the Oceanic Food Chain

As far as plastic entering the ocean, about 20% of the trash comes from ships and platforms that are offshore. The rest sources from litter being blown into the sea, picked up by tides on the beach, or intentional garbage dumping. The worse part is, these plastics don't biodegrade, so they break up into tiny pieces that are consumed by fish and sea mammals. Plastic is killing more than 100,000 sea turtles and birds a year from ingestion and entanglement. To learn more visit Project Green Bag.

Chemicals in plastics are released into the water as well as the atmosphere. Fish easily become contaminated from the chemicals in the water. This is a direct link of how plastic chemicals enter the food chain. See Earth Times for more on this.

Plastics getting to Humans Impacting Health

Different plastics spread throughout the ocean. As Styrofoam breaks into smaller parts, polystyrene components in it sink lower in the ocean, so that the pollutant spreads throughout the sea column.

In fact, not only do the toxins in plastic affect the ocean, but acting like sponges, they soak up other toxins from outside sources before entering the ocean. As these chemicals are ingested by animals in the ocean, this is not good for humans. We as humans ingest contaminated fish and mammals.

For more information on this topic on toxins in the ocean, see this article by National Geographic: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/8/plastic-breaks-down-in-ocean-after-all-and-fast/#:~:text=Though%20ocean%2Dborne%20plastic%20trash,that's%20not%20a%20good%20thing.

There are different types of ways that plastic is dangerous for humans. Direct toxicity from plastics comes from lead, cadmium, and mercury. These toxins have also been found in many fish in the ocean, which is very dangerous for humans. Diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) contained in some plastics, is a toxic carcinogen. Other toxins in plastics are directly linked to cancers, birth defects, immune system problems, and childhood developmental issues. To learn more on effects of plastics on humans visit the Ecology Center

Other types of toxic plastics are BPA or health-bisphenol-A, along with phthalates (mentioned above). Both of these are of great concern to human health. BPA is used in many things including plastic bottles and food packaging materials. Over time the polymer chains of BPA break down, and can enter the human body in many ways from drinking contaminated water to eating a fish that is exposed to the broken down toxins. Specifically, BPA is a known chemical that interferes with human hormonal function.

Rolf Halden, associate professor in the School of Sustainable Engineering and Arizona State University has studied plastics adverse effects on humans and has thus far concluded that and exact outline of health effects of plastics on humans is almost impossible to determine. This is due to the fact that the problem of plastic contamination in humans is globally spread; there are almost no unexposed subjects. That being said, it is evident that the chemicals are not healthy for humans. To learn more about Halden's studies on plastic at Arizona State University see Impacts of plastics on human health and ecosystems

Prevention of Contamination

As Rolf Halden asserts, the only way for this unsustainable plastic production to decrease would be a global staggering petroleum supply, because of environmental worry. About 8% of the world's oil use is from manufacturing plastics.

There are efforts to protect the oceans from plastic pollutants along with human health, but they are mostly grassroots organizations. One in particular that I discovered during my research is Save My Oceans (http://www.savemyoceans.com/plastics.php-broken link) which anyone can become involved with.

As far as protecting yourself from contamination, it is probably best not to have a diet that consists mainly of fish, since most is probably contaminated. However, one of the most effective things we could all do as members of this fragile ecosystem is to be responsible for our trash. When we have the opportunity, we should try to avoid buying products packaged in plastic. We should always recycle plastic when we do use it. At the store, request a paper bag instead of plastic, or bring your own. Use a reusable water bottle, and of course don't litter.

The Role Humans Play

As quoted by UN Environment Programme Executive Director Achim Steiner,

"Marine debris - trash in our oceans - is a symptom of our throw-away society and our approach to how we use our natural resources."

Our tendency as humans to be irresponsible about cleaning up after ourselves is about to get us in trouble. We risk losing many species in the ocean as well as negatively affecting ourselves. The average person produces half a pound of plastic waste every day. No wonder the oceans are filling up with waste!

I think part of the problem is that we don't recognize how this issue starts with the individual. There are obviously life style changes we can make to solve this problem. We just have to be willing to accept this issue and look past our denial. The government also needs to make regulations on plastics if anything is going to change. Surprisingly, there is little to no information on governmental websites about pollution in the oceans. I think they are afraid to address the problem; it is a costly fix. However there have been some treaties formed to minimize the amount of trash entering the oceans. This is still not enough. To see more on EPA laws and treaties visit US Environmental Protection Agency. These grassroots organizations are vital then to the protection of the oceans, striving to get information out about this tragic pollution. We should really all be involved though, it is everyone's responsibility. Lets make these changes before it is too late and we kill the all oceanic life, or even our own.

Related Links

1. How Does Plastic Get Into The Ocean? Project Green Bag

I found this website helpful in describing the how marine waste has compiled into the different plastic islands.

2. Plastic Contamination in the Atlantic Ocean Earth Times, Kirsten E. Silven

This web article speaks specifically to the Atlantic garbage patch and plastic pollution in the ocean.

3. Plastic Breaks Down in Ocean, After All- And Fast National Geographic

An article discussing how plastic breaks down in the ocean and is ingested by sea birds, asserts that humans will as well be affected by the toxins.

4. Human Health Warning UN New Centre

This article provides useful information about the human tendency to waste and pollute and how it is affecting the planet and its species.

5. Adverse Health Effects of Plastics Ecology Center

Discussing the health impacts that plastics have on humans, this article discusses the dangers in different plastic chemicals.

6. Impacts of plastics on human health and ecosystems News Medical

7. http://www.projectgreenbag.com/news/how-does-plastic-get-into-the-ocean 'Project GreenBag'

This is an extensive article on research done by Rolf Halden and his concern for humans and the environment from our irresponsible use of plastic. I found it very compelling.

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teach the earth incorporating societal issues geology and health

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Plastics in the Ocean Affecting Human Health

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Over a few decades, humans have managed to dump tons upon tons of garbage into the ocean. Of the most devastating elements of this pollution is that plastics takes thousands of years to decay. As a result, fish and wildlife are becoming intoxicated. Consequently the toxins from the plastics have entered the food chain, threatening human health.

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Wow.. wow ! Mr.Jim, could you imagine how excited I am ?
You really shows me a good padlet.

#1 Before I read your padlet, I only know that plastic can make by polyethylene, I didn't know that they can make by polyvinyl chloride. Because it is very bad to our health.

#2 I already know that plastic is very useful but also bad for the environment, but could you please tell me how it effects our body?

#3Your padlet form is very clearly, it makes me feelk very suitable. I can learn from it

From Jim：Plastic pollution the first step is to pollute the environment, harm the body is indirect.Only when land and water are polluted, then plants and animals be harmed.And then finally people will be harmed.The website below will help you learn more

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Plastics have been with us for more than a century, and by now they're everywhere, for good and for ill. Plastic containers and coatings help keep food fresh, but they can also leave behind neurotoxins such as BPA in the human body. PVC is used for everything from pipes and flooring to furniture and clothes, but it contains compounds called phthalates that have been implicated in male reproductive disorders. Studies have also shown that childhood exposure to environmental pollutants can have significant negative effects later in life, including reduced labor force participation and even earnings.

To reduce plastic waste and negative effects, recycling programs have been implemented in many parts of the United States, but remain underutilized. Much is due to the nature of plastic itself, which often can only be "downcycled" rather than recycled - a torn plastic bag might eventually be transformed into a lunch tray, but it will never be a plastic bag again. Many cities and states have begun more serious efforts to restrict their use, but the subject remains a matter of considerable debate. While plastics also contain substantial energy, the vast majority ends up in landfills. Immense quantities of plastic are also sent to the developing world together with e-waste, where "recycling" frequently involves open-air burning.

No sector illustrates the inherent contradictions of plastic more than health care. A 2014 research review published in the Reviews on Environmental Health, "Plastics and Environmental Health: The Road Ahead," notes that plastic is an ideal material for single-use disposable devices, because they're "cost-effective, require little energy to produce, and are lightweight and biocompatible." Yet the chemical compounds within plastic can damage human health. In their work, the scholars, Emily North and Rolf Halden of Arizona State University, summarize relevant research findings on the benefits, dangers, disposal of, and future innovative potential for plastics. The study received funding from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, a government research body.

The findings include:

On average, 300 million tons of plastic are produced around the globe each year. Of this, 50% is for disposable applications such as packaging.

Plastics make up 85% of medical equipment. IV bags and tubing alone constitute up to 25% of hospital waste. In all, U.S. hospitals discard approximately 425,000 tons of material annually.

Plastics manufacture makes up 4.6% of the annual petroleum consumption in the U.S., using roughly 331 million barrels per year. None of this energy is recovered when plastics are disposed of in landfills, and very little is recovered when plastic waste is incinerated.

Recycling plastics poses major logistical difficulties, including effective sorting (which increases costs) and the mixing of different plastic streams affecting the resultant post-consumer products.

In 2008, 34 million tons of plastic was disposed in the United States. Of this, 86% ended up in landfills. However, "disposal of plastics in landfills is ultimately unsustainable and diminishes land resources fit for other uses of higher societal value. Incineration results in the release of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, and of other air pollutants, including carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and dioxins."

Because of the omnipresence of plastics, the complexity of the substances that they release into the environment and the potential interaction of these substances, many questions exist on the safety of plastics for humans and the environment:

Detectable levels of bisephenol A (BPA) from plastics have been found in urine of 95% of adults in the United States. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approves the use of bisephenol A (BPA) for most food applications, in July 2012 the FDA amended its regulations to disallow the use of BPA in baby bottles, sippy cups and formula packaging. (Note: the reasons have a complicated regulatory and chemical industry-related backstory; the FDA, which continues to update its policies, notes that the "scientific field is evolving rapidly.")

A 2010 study in the Annual Review of Public Health found that BPA has endocrine-disrupting properties. Tests indicate the possibility of health risks such as early sexual maturation, decreased male fertility and aggressive behavior. However, "the health risks of BPA are fiercely debated and, after more than 70 years of study, are still not fully understood. The stakes are high because exposure is ubiquitous and BPA-containing products are a multi-billion-dollar enterprise."

di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), often used in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) products, leaches out easily and has been found to have a number of negative impacts: "Several rodent and human studies have found correlations between DEHP exposure and harmful health effects, including changes to the female and male reproductive systems, increased waist circumference and insulin resistance."

Environmental exposure to plastic-related chemical compounds does not occur in isolation but as a "cocktail effect," with unknown cumulative impacts. Components of plastics currently being studied for their health effects include polyhalogenated flame retardants, polyfluorinated compounds (known as PFOS or PFOA) and antimicrobial compounds such as triclosan and triclocarban.

Because plastics are found throughout the globe, there are effectively no populations that haven't been exposed to them. "Studies have demonstrated the presence of steady-state concentration of plastics' components in the human body, thereby reflecting the ongoing balance of constant exposure, metabolism and excretion of these compounds. This situation implies that in today's plastics-enabled society, there are no control groups to be found to analyze the effects on human health from low-level, environmental exposures to plastic constituents. Everybody is being exposed to some degree at any given time from gestation through death."

Biodegradable plastics hold promise, but are not currently a perfect solution:

Biodegradable plastics are more expensive to produce, and many use plant resources such as corn or molasses, thus creating competition for food supply.

Commercial facilities test biodegradable plastics at 58 degrees C and 60% relative humidity, whereas at-home composting mechanisms may not meet these conditions and may therefore produce incomplete biodegradation.

Pilot "curbside composting" programs in Boulder, Colo., increased waste diversion from landfills from 40% and 69%, indicating that consumers are willing to use better disposal methods if available.

Strategies are possible to balance the need for durable plastics in some applications, and biodegradable compounds in others: "Plastics of low volume for medical applications may rely more on fossil fuel and be designed for durability, whereas high-volume uses for consumer products will have to be sourced from renewable material stocks and be programmed for rapid environmental decay (i.e., biodegradability). This strategy could prevent irreparable environmental damage from disposable plastic products, while maintaining and maximizing the benefits of plastics in specialized cases, like medicine and public health."

The authors state that a critical examination of how we should be using plastics is necessary, suggesting that we use them to yield truly important benefits but turn to alternatives and reusable products where possible: "Although there have been great benefits from using plastics, especially in the health care sector, there needs to be a second revolution of plastics in which life-cycle considerations are integrated with production and consumption decisions to handle the voluminous present-day flow of plastics, most of which being destined for disposal after single use."

Related research: A 2012 study published in the Review of Environmental Economics and Policy, "Alternative Policies to Increase Recycling of Plastic Water Bottles in the United States," explores how to improve recycling rates. The researchers, from Duke University and Vanderbilt University, used survey data from more than 600 respondents in 2009 to examine the effects of different recycling regimes on the recycling rates for plastic water bottles.
Keywords: plastics, health effects, pollution, sustainability, sustainable consumption, body burden, consumer affairs

Last updated: October 9, 2014

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Plastics, human health and environmental impacts: The road ahead - Journalist's Resource

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Plastics have been with us for more than a century, and by now they're everywhere, for good and for ill. Plastic containers and coatings help keep food fresh, but they can also leave behind neurotoxins such as BPA in the human body.