PLASTICS:FRIEND OR FOE

Sudha SinhaBSc.BEd (II sem)

What is Plastic?The word plastic itself comes

from the GreekWord ‘plasticos’ which means to

be shaped or molded.

Plastics are actually polymers of different types of monomers.

e.g.Vinyl chloride.

Types of PlasticsNatural plastics – These are naturally occuring materials that can be said

plastics because they can be shaped and moulded by heat. e.g Amber

Synthetic plastic -These are materials that are derived from breaking

down ,or ‘cracking’ carbon based materials,usually crude oil,coal or

gas.This is generally done in petrochemical refineries.

There are two types of synthetic plastics

1.Thermo Plastics2.Thermosetting Plastics

Thermoplastics - These are those plastics which when heated

becomes soft and can be reshaped over and over again. e.g plastics

used in toys.

.

Thermosetting plastics - These are those plastics cannot be reshaped

again and again.e.g. Plastics used in switch boards

Bakelite, melamine e.t.c

The SPI resin identification coding system is a set of symbols placed on plastics to identify the

polymer type.

It was developed by the Society of the Plastics Industry

(SPI) in 1988, and is used internationally.

The primary purpose of the codes is to allow efficient separation of

different polymer types for recycling.

Plastics In Everyday Life

The main advantage of using plastics products are :

They are light – weighted, waterproof

robust and economical.

Plastic preserves flavor and sparkle when employed to stock up food and

beverages.

Chlid – resistant and leak – proof plastic containers are used to hold

risky products like bleach..

Why plastics...

Uses of plastics…. During shopping we prefer plastic

shopping basket. Many plastic pots and utensils are

used to store food items .

Plastic pipes are used to tranport fluids

due to its resistance of corrosion.

What is wrong with plastics?

Presence of chemicals such as pthalates

and BPA prevents its degradation

It leads to blockage of drains and soil.

Presence of plastics microbeads (phthalates) in cosmetics leads to

pollution

When burnt they release harmful gases.

Production of plastic consumes petroleum

and hence polluting the environment.

Plastic food container poison the food item.

Plastic can kill animals when they consume it.

Carcenogens in Plastics…. BPA: Bisphenol A building block of

poly-carbonate plastic cause cancer .

Phthalates: Endocrine disrupting chemical

cause early puberty in girls.

Vinyl chloride : Formed in manufacturing of

PVC , cause cancer among workers of the same.

Styrene: Found in food trays, disposal cups can cause cancer

Polyblend ,a fine power of recycled modified plastic was developed by Ahmed khan and his company .In collaboration with R.V College of engineering and Bangalore city corporation. This mixture is mixed with bitumen that is

used to lay roads. Polyblend and bitumen when used to lay roads enhance the bitumen’s water repellent property. Using Khan’s technique by

Jan 2015, more than 2000 kms of road in Bangalore has already been laid.

Polyblend… A plastic remedy

BioplasticsThese are those plastics which can be

degraded

naturally. e.g polyvinyl alcohol.

This is not necessary that they are made up

of natural material (i.e plants ).

Some bioplastics are made up of oil also..

They degrade to form carbon dioxide and water.

You Have A Role …. Avoid the use of plastic water

bottles instead use stainless steel .

Store the food item in glass container

rather then plastic container.

Reuse the plastic bags instead of throwing.

it.

Start by bringing your own

Eco-Friendly bags.

Spread awareness by not accepting plastic bags from retailers and reminding them that it’s toxic to

our environment.

Use plastics only when needed, don’t use it

Unnecessarily. Don’t use plastic cutting board ,use glass or wooden boards.

BEST OF

WASTE

Starting from 1970 earth day is celebrated on 22 April every year,

for environmental protection…

Let’s make every day

EARTH DAY.

INTERESTING FACTS

Do U Know 160,000 plastic bags are used globally every second! 

In 2008, a sperm whale was found beached in California. It died due to the more than 22 kilos of plastic found in its stomach.

Cassava, a tuber crop is used in manufacturing of biodegradable plastics !

Do you know that Plastic bags remain toxic even after it breaks down. It doesn’t biodegrade, it photo-degrades.

http://www.theworldcounts.com/stories/interesting-facts-about-plastic-bagshttp://givemelife.co.nz/plastic-recycling-codes/http://reefrelief.org/2013/01/51-ways-to-reduce-plastic-use-or-completely-eliminate-it/http://www.diynatural.com/plastic-free-home/http://www.diynatural.com/plastic-home/

References