Plastics

Plastics are organic polymeric materials consisting of giant organic molecules. Plastic materials can be formed into shapes by one of a variety of processes, such as extrusion, moulding, casting or spinning. Modern plastics (or polymers) possess a number of extremely desirable characteristics such as high strength to weight ratio, excellent thermal properties, electrical insulation, resistance to acids, alkalis and solvents, just to name but a few. Plastic is a man-made product, which is composed of organic compounds called polymer. They can be shaped, heated, pressure and they are solid. They are manufactured to make plastic water bottles and to make other products such as toys, cosmetic cases, buttons, refrigerator dish, knife handle, and everything that you use. Plastic is cheap and poorly made.

What is happening to the Society?

The Production rate for plastic is increasing enormously causing more garbage, and more problems. Only 3% of the urban and industrial waste, which is disposed in sanitary landfills. Percentage is increasing because plastic is not degrading by the environmental process. Recycling and garbage are processes that are being done very often. In industrial recycling is

* 40% paper product

* 35% aluminium products

* 20% glass products

* 5% of plastic products

We use about 32 billion pounds of plastic a year--and recycle only about 2% of it! But recycled plastic can be made into many new products from detergent containers to park benches. And since much plastic is made from petroleum, recycling saves money and conserves a valuable resource. To recycle plastic containers, rinse them out and remove and discard tops. Beverage bottles can be returned to stores in states with a deposit program. Some stores also accept plastic bags for recycling.