Sofia Martinez
Be Plastic Clever is a book written by teenage activists and sisters, Amy and Ella Meek. The book details the dangers of single-use plastics and plastic pollution, and provides tips on how to reduce plastic consumption. The authors founded the campaign and charity, Kids Against Plastic, with the goal of eliminating single-use plastic bottles from UK supermarkets. The #BePlasticClever campaign encourages schools, businesses, and festivals to be mindful of their plastic use. The book is designed to inspire young readers to become activists and take action against plastic pollution. It provides an accessible and engaging guide to understanding the complex issue of plastics in society and empowering individuals to make a difference.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Authors | Amy and Ella Meek |
| Author Details | Teenage Activists, Sisters, Founders of "Kids Against Plastic" |
| Foreword | By wildlife presenter Steve Backshall |
| Content | History of plastic, different types of plastic, problems caused by plastic, what and how to recycle, impact of plastic pollution, how to make a change, how to become an activist |
| Format | Book, Audiobook |
| Illustrations | Black and white illustrations, engaging layouts |
| Target Audience | Young Activists, Budding Eco-Warriors |
| Goal | To teach about the dangers of plastic pollution and climate change, to inspire young people to become activists |
| Initiatives | #BePlasticClever campaign, Plastic Clever Schools Challenge |
Explore related products
$9.08 $19.95
What You'll Learn
The history of plastic
The word "plastic" comes from the Ancient Greek πλαστικός (plastikos), meaning "capable of being shaped or moulded". Natural plastics, such as horn, tortoiseshell, amber, rubber, and shellac, have been used since ancient times. Animal horns, for example, were heated and moulded into a variety of products, from medallions to combs and cutlery. The 19th century saw the comb-making industry become one of the biggest applications of horn.
In 1869, John Wesley Hyatt invented the first synthetic polymer, inspired by a New York firm's offer of $10,000 for a substitute for ivory. Hyatt treated cellulose derived from cotton fibre with camphor, creating a plastic that could be crafted into various shapes and imitate natural substances. This discovery was revolutionary, freeing human manufacturing from the limits of nature and helping to alleviate the strain on natural resources.
In 1907, Leo Baekeland invented Bakelite, the first fully synthetic plastic, in New York. Baekeland coined the term "plastics", and his invention marked the beginning of the Plastics Age. Since then, dozens of different types of plastics have been produced, including polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
Plastics have become an essential part of our lives, with a wide range of uses, including packaging, building and construction, automobiles, furniture, and toys. However, the widespread adoption of plastics has had consequences for our health and the environment, with plastic pollution in our landscapes, oceans, air, and bodies.
Today, the term "plastic" refers to a category of materials called polymers, which are made up of long chains of molecules. Most plastics are derived from natural gas and petroleum, with a small fraction coming from renewable materials. Plastic production is a global industry, with Asia, particularly China, emerging as a significant producer in recent years.
Why Do Plastic Phone Cases Turn Yellow?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The problems caused by different types of plastic
The book Be Plastic Clever by teenage activists Ella and Amy Meek is an excellent resource for understanding the problems caused by different types of plastics. The book details the history of plastic, the various types in use, and the issues they cause. It also provides practical steps that readers can take to make a difference.
Plastic pollution has become a ubiquitous issue, with plastic waste entering the environment and causing problems throughout the ecosystem. Plastic is a polymeric material, meaning its molecules form long chains that are challenging to break down. This means that plastic can take anywhere from 100 to 1,000 years or more to decompose, depending on the environmental conditions. This persistence of plastic pollution has attracted increasing attention as a large-scale pollutant.
The problems caused by plastic pollution are diverse and far-reaching. Plastic waste can mechanically harm animals through entanglement or ingestion, leading to blockages in their digestive systems. Additionally, chemicals within plastics can interfere with the physiology of living organisms, causing developmental, reproductive, neurological, and immune disorders. These chemicals can leach into tap water, leading to indirect consumption by humans. Studies suggest that the bodies of 90% of seabirds contain plastic debris, and microplastics have been found in human livers, kidneys, and placentas.
Another issue with plastic is the low recovery rate for recycling. Compared to other materials like glass, paper, iron, and aluminum, plastic is relatively inefficient to reuse in the manufacturing process due to its low melting point, which prevents the removal of contaminants during heating and reprocessing. This challenge is compounded by the fact that many single-use plastic products and packaging materials, accounting for approximately 50% of all plastics produced, are improperly disposed of and immediately begin to pollute the environment.
Furthermore, the production and use of plastic have significant environmental implications. The World Economic Forum projects that without intervention, the global plastics industry will account for 20% of total oil consumption and up to 15% of global carbon emissions by 2050. The production of chemicals has increased 50-fold since 1950 and is projected to triple again by 2050, contributing to negative effects on planetary health.
Ramen Noodles: Plastic Coated? Exploring the Truth Behind the Myth
You may want to see also
Explore related products
How to recycle plastic
Plastic is one of the most popular and useful materials in modern times. Worldwide, we produce 300 million tonnes of plastic each year, and most people are reusing and recycling their plastics. Recycling can help conserve natural resources, reduce waste, save energy, and create jobs.
To recycle plastic, you can start by identifying the different types of plastic in use. Plastic bottles of all kinds are usually made from two types of plastic that are easy to recycle: PET and HDPE. 99% of all UK local authorities offer collection facilities for plastic bottles either through household recycling collections or at recycling centres. Many local authorities also collect mixed plastics packaging, such as pots, tubs, and trays. You can check which types of plastic your local authority collects to ensure you are recycling as many plastics as possible.
Some supermarkets and retailers have started collecting a wider range of plastic bags and wrappings, or soft plastics. This means that it is now possible to recycle packaging such as baby and pet food pouches, crisp and sweet packets, delivery bags, and salad bags, along with plastic carrier bags and bread bags, at these stores. Plastic bags and wraps often go on to become durable, low-maintenance lumber for backyard decks or fences.
You can also recycle plastic bottle caps. Just empty the bottles and twist on the bottle caps before tossing them in the bin. Bottle caps are typically made from polypropylene plastic, which can be recycled into auto parts, bike racks, storage bins, shipping pallets, and more.
Additionally, many grocery and retail stores collect plastic grocery bags, dry cleaning bags, bread bags, produce bags, newspaper bags, zipper bags, and shipping pillows for recycling. You can also recycle plastic wraps from around products such as water bottles, diapers, napkins, and bathroom tissue. Just make sure that all items are clean and dry before dropping them into the recycling bin.
To recycle even more plastic, you can place small recycling receptacles in various rooms of your home, such as the bathroom (for bottles, containers, and caps for shampoo, conditioner, liquid soap, body wash, and mouthwash), the laundry area (for detergent and cleaning products), and the garage (for auto and gardening products). You can also seek out public recycling bins at public parks, sports stadiums, and beaches, and set up separate bins for recyclables at gatherings to increase recycling and cut down on litter.
Plastic Reeds: A Smart Choice for Marching Band?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The impact of plastic pollution worldwide
Plastic pollution has become a pressing environmental issue, with rapidly increasing production of disposable plastic products overwhelming the world's ability to deal with them. The impact of plastic pollution is felt worldwide, with landscapes littered by plastic packaging and waste becoming a common sight in many parts of the world. The sources of plastic pollution are diverse, ranging from single-use plastic products and packaging materials to illegal dumping and the overflowing of containment structures. The effects of plastic pollution are far-reaching and detrimental, affecting both human populations and wildlife.
One of the significant impacts of plastic pollution is its persistence in the environment. Plastic does not easily decompose and can take between 100 to 1,000 years or more to break down, depending on environmental conditions. During this time, plastic can fragment into smaller pieces, known as microplastics, which have been found in every ecosystem on the planet, from the Antarctic tundra to tropical coral reefs. These microplastics pose a severe threat to marine life, as they are often ingested, leading to punctured organs or intestinal blockages. More than 1,500 species in marine and terrestrial environments are known to ingest plastics, and the presence of microplastics can also impact the health of human populations.
The mismanagement of plastic waste is a critical factor contributing to plastic pollution. Approximately one-quarter of plastic waste is not recycled, incinerated, or stored in sealed landfills, leading to environmental pollution. This mismanagement is more prevalent in poorer countries, which account for most of the ocean plastics. The probability that mismanaged plastic waste enters the ocean varies across the world, influenced by factors such as river systems, proximity to coastlines, terrain, and precipitation patterns. More than 1,000 rivers are responsible for 80% of the plastic emissions into the ocean.
The impact of plastic pollution extends beyond the environmental and ecological realms. Plastic pollution can alter habitats and natural processes, reducing ecosystems' ability to adapt to climate change. This, in turn, affects millions of people's livelihoods, food production capabilities, and social well-being. Additionally, the chemicals present in plastics, derived from fossil fuels, are known endocrine disruptors that can cause hormonal imbalances, reproductive issues, and even cancer in humans.
Addressing the impact of plastic pollution requires a systemic transformation towards a circular economy. While recycling is important, it is not sufficient to mitigate the plastic pollution crisis. Instead, a holistic approach that includes reducing single-use plastic consumption, improving waste management practices, and advocating for stricter laws and global treaties is necessary to tackle the pervasive and detrimental effects of plastic pollution worldwide.
Plastic Gloves vs Nitrile: What's the Real Difference?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![Stack Man 100% Compostable Paper Plates 9 Inch Heavy-Duty [125-Pack] Eco-Friendly White Bagasse Disposable Plates Made of Natural Sugarcane Fibers - 9" Biodegradable Plate (BPI-Certified) (PFAS-Free)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/814vVmxyCUL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
How to make a change in your home, school, and community
The book "Be Plastic Clever" by teenage activists and sisters Amy and Ella Meek is a great resource for anyone looking to make a change in their home, school, and community. The book details the sisters' journey in founding the campaign and charity "Kids Against Plastic", which aims to rid the world of single-use plastics. Here are some ways you can make a change in your home, school, and community, inspired by Amy and Ella:
In your home
Educate yourself and your family about the dangers of single-use plastics and the impact of plastic pollution. Learn about the different types of plastics and the problems they cause. For example, a single-use plastic bottle left in the sun will cause chemicals to leach into the water, and washing fleeces can release thousands of microplastics into our rivers. You can then make informed decisions about reducing your plastic consumption and properly recycling or disposing of plastics.
In your school
Join or initiate a school club or campaign focused on raising awareness about plastic pollution and promoting sustainable alternatives. Encourage your school to reduce its plastic consumption and properly recycle or dispose of plastics. You can also participate in the Plastic Clever Schools Challenge, which provides resources and guidance for schools to reduce their plastic usage.
In your community
Inspire others in your community to join the movement by sharing your knowledge and passion for reducing plastic waste. You can organize or participate in community clean-up events, such as picking up single-use plastic litter in parks or public spaces. Additionally, you can advocate for local businesses, cafes, and councils to become Plastic Clever by encouraging them to reduce their plastic usage and offering sustainable alternatives.
By following these steps and drawing inspiration from "Be Plastic Clever", you can make a significant impact in your home, school, and community, contributing to a global effort to reduce plastic pollution and protect our environment.
Cats Chewing Plastic: Understanding Their Strange Habit
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
'Do You Want to Be Plastic Clever' is a campaign created by teenage activists and sisters Amy and Ella Meek to encourage schools, businesses, and festivals to be mindful of their plastic use. The campaign is accompanied by a book and audiobook of the same name, which teaches young activists about the dangers of plastic pollution and climate change.
'Do You Want to Be Plastic Clever' is for anyone who wants to learn more about the dangers of plastic pollution and make a difference. The book is written in simple language and is accessible to young readers and adults alike.
Plastic Clever Schools is a challenge that schools can sign up for to become more mindful of their plastic use.
