Maya Ellison
Plastic is everywhere, from the chairs we sit on to the phones we use. The first synthetic plastic was made in 1907 by a Belgian chemist named Leo Baekeland, who invented Bakelite in a lab in New York. Today, there are more than 50 types of plastics, which are used in a variety of ways due to their lightweight, durable, and easily mouldable nature. However, plastic's durability and long-lasting life have also led to environmental issues, as they do not break down naturally and often end up in landfills and oceans, harming wildlife. To address this, it is important to reduce, reuse, and recycle plastic products, with schools playing a crucial role in educating students about the impact of plastic pollution and encouraging sustainable practices, such as waste-free lunches and recycling programmes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main Ingredient | Crude oil |
| Other Ingredients | Petroleum (oil), natural gas, coal |
| First Invented | 1869 |
| Inventor | John Wesley Hyatt |
| First Synthetic Plastic Invented | 1907 |
| Inventor of First Synthetic Plastic | Leo Baekeland |
| Name of First Synthetic Plastic | Bakelite |
| Year Plastics Made From Synthetic Materials Only | 1909 |
| Environmental Impact | Plastic waste clogs landfills, ends up in oceans, and harms sea life |
| Positive Uses of Plastic | Bike helmets, car airbags, medical supplies, water bottles, straws for people with disabilities |
| Negative Uses of Plastic | Grocery bags, drink bottles, straws, food wrappers, plastic packaging |
| Ways Schools Can Reduce Plastic Waste | Recycling bins, supporting companies that produce recyclable packaging, providing facilities to recycle plastic wrappers, using reusable coffee cups, encouraging second-hand uniform sales |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic is made from petroleum (oil), natural gas, or coal
Plastic is all around us. From the chairs we sit on to the phones we use, it's hard to imagine life without it. But where does plastic come from?
Scientists then join these molecules together to form chains, which are the foundation of plastics. Different combinations of molecules create different kinds of plastic. For example, the plastic used for a toy may be different from the plastic in a bottle. By applying heat, plastic can be moulded into almost any shape. As it cools, it hardens and takes on its new form.
The first plastic was created in 1869 by US inventor John Wesley Hyatt. He named it celluloid because it was made from plant cellulose. However, the first completely synthetic plastic was invented in 1907 by Belgian chemist Leo Baekeland. He called it Bakelite, and it soon became known as the "Material of 1,000 Uses". Since then, scientists have developed many more types of plastics, and today there are over 50 varieties.
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Plastic pollution and its environmental impact
Plastic is made from chemicals that come from petroleum (oil), natural gas, or coal. When heated, these chemicals break down into molecules that can be joined into chains to form different kinds of plastic. Plastic is very useful, but it can also cause problems for the environment if it is not disposed of properly.
Plastic pollution is currently one of the biggest environmental concerns. It occurs when plastic waste accumulates in an area and affects the natural environment, harming plants, animals, and humans. Plastic has toxic pollutants that cause land, water, and air pollution. It can take hundreds or even thousands of years for plastic to break down, so the damage it causes can be long-lasting. For example, plastic bags, bottles, and fishing lines can collect in large areas of the ocean, harming sea turtles and other animals that may ingest the plastic or become entangled in it.
Schools can play a significant role in reducing plastic waste and fighting plastic pollution. Public schools in the United States produce over 14,500 tons of waste every day, with each student using a disposable lunch producing about 67 pounds of waste in a nine-month school year. By adopting waste-free practices and promoting recycling, schools can reduce their environmental impact and protect children from toxin exposure. For instance, schools can serve lunches on compostable trays, encourage students to bring plastic-free lunches, and set goals for students to use reusable water bottles.
Individuals can also take steps to reduce plastic waste and pollution. People can use reusable bags when shopping, drink from reusable water bottles, and avoid disposable containers. Additionally, individuals can advocate for environmentally-friendly practices in their communities by speaking to local businesses and lawmakers about reducing plastic use and increasing recycling efforts.
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How to reduce plastic use at school
Plastic is made from chemicals that come from petroleum (oil), natural gas, or coal. When these chemicals are heated, they break down into molecules, which are then joined together into chains to form plastics. Different combinations of molecules form different kinds of plastic.
Plastics are very useful, but they can also cause problems for the environment. Plastic items do not break down and end up in landfills and oceans, harming animals and the environment. To reduce plastic use at school, here are some suggestions:
Review School Policies
Review the school procurement policy and add plastic-free requirements. For instance, the school can stop selling single-use plastic bottles and provide or encourage students to bring their own reusable water bottles. The school can also transition to reusable cutlery, plates, and cups in the canteen to minimize plastic waste during meals and events.
Set Goals
Set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals to help track progress. For example, a goal could be set for every student in a specific grade to use a reusable water bottle by the end of the year.
Educate Students
Educate students about alternatives to single-use plastic and the impact of plastic waste on the environment. Students can lead the charge by conducting plastic audits in their classrooms, organizing educational projects, and committing to personal challenges to reduce disposable items.
Encourage Plastic-Free Lunches
Hold a plastic-free lunch day where students bring their lunches in reusable containers, cloth sacks, or beeswax wrappers instead of plastic bags. Encourage students to bring plastic-free snacks like fruits, nuts, cereal, and dried fruit stored in glass jars to avoid plastic packaging.
Recycling and Eco-Clubs
If the school isn't already recycling plastic bottles and utensils, talk to the administration about starting. Encourage the formation of an eco-club or environmental club to promote sustainability and organize clean-up events.
By implementing these practices, schools can significantly reduce their plastic waste and educate students about the importance of environmental protection.
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The invention of plastic and its history
Plastic is everywhere! From the chairs we sit on to the phones we use, it's hard to imagine our lives without it. But where did plastic come from? Well, the story of plastic begins in the late 19th century.
The First Plastic
In 1869, an inventor named John Wesley Hyatt created the first plastic. He called it celluloid because it was made from plant material (cellulose). However, this early form of plastic was not synthetic, meaning it was not entirely human-made.
Bakelite: The First Synthetic Plastic
It wasn't until 1907 that the first fully synthetic plastic was invented. A Belgian chemist named Leo Baekeland created this revolutionary material in a lab in New York. He called it Bakelite, and it became known as "The Material of 1,000 Uses." Bakelite could be transformed into a wide range of products, from phones and radios to jewellery and chess pieces.
The Rise of Plastic
Baekeland's invention sparked further innovation, and many chemists soon followed in his footsteps. Throughout the 1920s to the 1940s, scientists developed various new types of plastics with different properties. For example, cellophane was invented in 1912, and nylon in 1935. These plastics were lightweight, strong, and easy to produce, making them incredibly versatile.
The Dark Side of Plastic
While plastic has undoubtedly changed our world, it has also caused significant environmental problems. Plastic is made from chemicals derived from petroleum (oil), natural gas, or coal. These non-renewable fossil resources are limited on our planet. When plastic is discarded, it does not easily break down. It ends up in landfills and oceans, harming wildlife and taking up space for countless years.
Today, there is a growing awareness of the need to reduce, reuse, and recycle plastic to mitigate its environmental impact. While plastic has its benefits, finding more sustainable alternatives and reducing our reliance on single-use plastics is crucial for the health of our planet.
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How to recycle plastic
Plastic is a versatile and durable material that has become an integral part of our daily lives. It is made through a complex process of human innovation and natural resource transformation. Most plastics are derived from natural gases, coal, crude oil, and salt, which are processed and transformed into the plastic materials we use today. The process involves extracting and refining these natural resources to create the building blocks for various types of plastics. While plastic has numerous benefits, its impact on the environment, especially through improper disposal and accumulation as waste, is a growing concern worldwide. Recycling plastic is an important step in reducing this environmental impact and conserving resources. Here's a guide on how to recycle plastic:
Sort and Separate: Different types of plastics need to be separated for effective recycling. Look for the resin identification code, usually a number from 1 to 7 enclosed in a triangle on the product, which indicates the type of plastic it is made of. Common types include PET (polyethylene terephthalate, coded as #1) found in soda bottles, HDPE (high-density polyethylene, #2) used in milk jugs, and PVC (polyvinyl chloride, #3) used in pipes and packaging. Separating plastics by code ensures they are processed correctly.
Clean and Dry: Before placing plastic items in the recycling bin, make sure they are clean and dry. Rinse out containers to remove any food or liquid residue, as contaminants can hinder the recycling process. It is important to note that not all plastics are recyclable, and certain items, like plastic bags, straws, and some types of packaging, may need to be disposed of separately, often at specialized drop-off locations.
Check with Your Local Recycling Program: Recycling programs can vary across different regions. Contact your local waste management authority or recycling center to understand what specific types of plastic they accept and any preparation requirements they may have. Some programs may have restrictions or specific guidelines for certain plastics.
Understand the Recycling Process: Once collected, the separated plastics are shredded or chopped into small pieces. These pieces are then washed and melted down into pellets or lumps, creating a reusable material known as "post-consumer resin." The recycled resin can be used to make new products, such as fleece jackets, car parts, or even new containers.
Participate in Community Efforts: Get involved with community initiatives, such as local recycling drives or collection events for specific types of plastics, like plastic bags or agricultural film. These events often provide convenient drop-off points and ensure proper recycling of items that may not be accepted in your regular curbside collection.
By following these steps and staying informed about plastic recycling practices in your area, you can play a vital role in reducing plastic waste and promoting the sustainable use of resources. Remember, recycling plastic is just one part of the solution, and it's also important to reduce plastic consumption and properly dispose of plastics when recycling is not an option.
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Frequently asked questions
Most plastics are made from chemicals that come from petroleum (oil), natural gas, or coal.
Scientists heat these chemicals, causing them to break down into molecules. They then join these molecules into chains, which make up plastics. Different combinations of molecules form different kinds of plastic.
Plastic is in so much stuff that it’s almost impossible to picture our lives without it! Plastic can be found in chairs, jumpers, smartphones, toys, car parts, bike parts, windows, and even money!
Plastic is designed to be durable and long-lasting, but these properties cause problems for the environment. Many plastics, such as water bottles and packaging, are designed to be used just once. Unless they’re recycled, they remain on our planet, clogging up landfills and making their way into oceans, where they can harm wildlife.
Schools can reduce plastic waste by encouraging the use of reusable items, such as metal cutlery, paper cups, and recyclable packaging. They can also provide accessible recycling bins and educate students about the effects of plastic pollution.
