Question

Why plastic can be molded into any shape and size and why is it advised to avoid the use of plastics as far as possible, also suggest some methods to limit its consumption​

Answer 1

⟹ Plastic can be moulded into different shapes because :

★ Plastic is a synthetic materials which on being heated becomes soft and can be moulded into a desired shape and then hardens to provide a durable article. Plastic which easily get deformed (become soft) are known as thermoplastics. These can be moulded into different shapes again and again by repeated heating and cooling. Examples of thermoplastics are polythene, polyvinyl chloride and polystyrene.

⟹ We should avoid the use of plastic as far as possible because :

(1). Plastics are not biodegradable.

(2). When plastics are burnt, they do not get complety burnt and produce toxic gases and smoke that cause air pollution.

(3). When plastic waste is dumped into water, they cause water pollution.

(4). Most of the plastic wastes are dumped in land fills. which causes soil pollution. Since, plastics buried in the soil cannot be decomposed by micro-organisms, they prevent rainwater from seeping into the earth's surface and forming muddy pools.

(5). The polybags, carelessly throw here and there, are responsible for clogging drains and sewer lines.

(6). Animals eat food wastes from the garbage dumps. During eating the food wastes, they sometimes swallow polythene bags and wrappers of food also. The plastic materials choke their respiratory system or sometimes digestive tract and can be the cause of their death.

⟹ Solution to problems created by plastics :

(1). We should avoid the use of plastic. For example, we should not ask for plastic bags when we go for shopping.

(2). We should clean dry plastics bag, plastic containers and plastic disposal bottles for reuse.

(3). We should use two types of bins - a green bin and a blue bin for disposing wastes. Biodegradable wastes such as peels of fruits and vegetables, etc should be thrown in green bin. Non biodegradable wastes such as plastic and glass, etc should be thrown in blue bin. This collected plastic is then melted and recycled.