Biodegradable Plastics Recycling and Biodegradable Plastics The need for recycling and the significance of non-biodegradable plastics

RECYCLING What is Recycling? Steps Need Benefits Interesting facts Recyclable materials Benefits Interesting facts

WHAT IS RECYCLING? RECYCLING is the process by which used materials are converted into new products. Recycling is the 3rd component of the waste hierarchy. REDUCE REUSE RECYCLE

WHY DO WE NEED TO RECYCLE? To Save Our Natural Resources To Save Our Energy It Is Good Business WHY DO WE NEED TO RECYCLE? To Save Our Environment To Add Value To Our Economy

BENEFITS OF RECYCLING ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS ECONMIC BENEFITS

ECONMIC BENEFITS It cost less to run a recycling program than waste removal services. It is estimated that $20 million can be saved by recycling. It creates jobs and income for thousands of people. It is estimated that 4 jobs are in the recycling industry for every 1 created in the waste removal industry. The more people recycle, the cheaper it gets.

E N V I R O N M E N T A L BENEFITS Recycling benefits the air and water by decreasing the need to extract and process new raw materials from the earth and eliminating pollution, therefore providing us with cleaner air and fresher water. Recycling helps reduce our reliance on foreign fuel by saving energy. Recycling conserves natural resources. Recycling reduces the destruction of habitats. It also reduces soil erosion connected with logging and mining. Recycling reduces the amount of waste materials from landfills. Recycling helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and also prevent global climate change by reducing the amount of energy used in the industries.

RECYCLING PROCESS Collecting and Processing: this includes sorting and aggregating recyclable materials. Recycling manufacturing: this includes the actual conversion of recyclable materials into products. Reuse and Remanufacturing: this includes the refurbishing and repair of products in order to be re-used in their original form.

RECYCLABLE MATERIALS PAPER CARDBOARDS ORGANICS WOOD GLASS PLASTICS METALS ALUMINU

INTERESTING FACTS!  1 ton of plastic that is recycled can save an equivalent of 2 people’s energy use for 1 year. The plastic bottles that our bottled water comes are made out of oil. Every ton of paper recycled saves about 17 trees. The energy saved from recycling 1 glass bottle is enough to light a bulb for 4 hours. 1 ton of steel recycled conserves 2,500 pounds of iron ore; 1,400 pounds of coal and 120 pounds of limestone.

Biodegradable...what is it? Biodegradation is the process by which organic substances are broken down by the enzymes produced by living organisms. Plastics are non-biodegradable, they get into water ways and kill animals. Plastics that have been made to decompose are called biodegradable. This can be used for food packaging, bottles plastic bags etc. It is important to use these plastics as they are environmentally friendly but they are very expensive.

The effect on the environment Non-biodegradable plastics The effect on the environment Litter – Once used, plastic bags go into land fills or rubbish tips. They eventually find their way into waterways, parks benches and streets. When they are burned they release toxic fumes into the air. Animals – About 100 000 animals (dolphins, turtles, whales, penguins) are killed every year due to plastic bags. Animals ingest plastic bags and die. After the death and decomposition of the animal, the plastic stays intact and lies around for another animal to ingest. Petroleum is required to produce plastic bags – The worlds resources are almost depleted, including petroleum. Petroleum is getting more expensive day by day. It is a very important source of energy and it is non-renewable. We should not be wasting it on plastic bags.

Solutions Tote Bag – This is a bag made from recycled fabrics. It is useful for carrying shopping and other knick knacks (clothes, picnic snacks etc.) It is available from most grocery stores e.g. Pick n Pay, woolworths. Recycling – Recycling and re-using the shopping bags you have already used is a good idea. Biodegradable bags – This is still a fairly new and expensive technology but it works. It is environmentally friendly and non-toxic. The bag is made from corn and other chemicals. Other things like packaging and bottles can be made from this plastic.

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