Stop garbage: The truth about recycling by Alex Pascual

Author:Alex Pascual [Pascual, Alex]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Recycling, waste, recycle, garbage, trash, rubbish
Publisher: Alex Pascual
Published: 2019-02-26T18:30:00+00:00

30% of the municipal plastic and metal packaging produced is recycled117

PLASTIC PACKAGING (BOTTLES)

There is a wide variety of plastics. Most of them are artificial materials, although there are some which are natural. In the beginning, materials were considered plastic not because of their composition but because of their plasticity, their ability to take on different forms at certain temperature ranges. Plastics, in general, come from petroleum and other natural substances and are obtained synthetically by multiplying the carbon atoms present in their molecules (polymerization). Plastics are often light – or low in density–, are relatively cheap and very durable over time. Plastic is extremely integrated in the modern way of life.

Plastics are petroleum derivatives. They have only been in general use for 100 years and have grown exponentially

The history of plastic began in 1860 and 1909 marked the beginning of the “plastic era” with the manufacturing of the first fully synthetic plastic called Bakelite. Therefore, unlike other materials such as paper or glass, plastic has only been in use for about 100 years. However, use of plastic has grown exponentially and is expected to continue. Compared to the almost 2 tons118 produced in 1950, this figure rose to 300 million tons in 2013, and it is expected that, at this growth rate, in 2050 world plastic production could triple.119 It is estimated120 that 26% of global plastic production is destined for the production of plastic packaging (other sources121 indicate 40%).

It is calculated122 that, in 2012, world plastic production reached almost 300 million tons. Plastic production accounts for between 6%123 and 8%124 of global oil consumption (half as raw material and the other half as energy required to manufacture plastic). Remember that oil is a finite resource.

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