how plastics have changed the world, both socially and economically.For 500 words.
Answers
Plastics today play an important part in cutting-edge technologies such as the space program, bullet-proof vests and prosthetic limbs, as well as in everyday products such as beverage containers, medical devices and automobiles. Recycled plastics are used to make polymeric timbers for use in picnic tables, fences, and outdoor toys, thus saving natural lumber. Plastic from 2-liter bottles is even being spun into fiber for the production of carpet. They are such a valuable resource, that, as a society, we have become dependent on plastics. It is essential that we develop programs to assure this resource will always be available in the future.
If a product is made of plastic, there's a reason. Chances are the reason has everything to do with helping you get what you want; whether it be health, safety, performance or value. Plastics help make these things possible.
Recycling is one of the processes that has been major part of our lives for many years. The number of plastics recycling businesses has tripled since 1990, with more than 1,700 businesses handling and reclaiming post-consumer plastics (American Plastics Council, 2). Through their support of economically and environmentally responsible and sustainable plastics recycling, the plastics industry and organizations such as the American Plastics Council have played a role in that growth. During the period between 1990 and 1998, the plastics industry invested more than $1 billion to support increased recycling within the United Sates. APC continues to work with communities and business to promote plastic recycling opportunities.
Plastics are derived from natural resources typically oil and natural gas. And yet, because plastics are so efficient, their application often conserves other resources during a product's life cycle when compared to the alternatives.