[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” hundred_percent_height=”no” hundred_percent_height_scroll=”no” hundred_percent_height_center_content=”yes” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” video_preview_image=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=””][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”3_5″ layout=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” hover_type=”none” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” dimension_margin=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no”][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” class=”” id=””]
It is impermeable to water and super versatile. Very cheap and easy to manufacture, and so light, that even its transportation costs are reduced to half, compared to other materials. Being so light and cheap, makes it so much more practical for production companies and consumers to prefer it over other materials such as wood, metal, glass, ceramic, stone, etc.
The 20th century hype material, Plastic, has become a huge part of our everyday lives. From office supplies, jewellery, accessories, clothes, toys, kitchen and bathroom appliances and products, to building materials, huge vehicles and spacecraft, the world of plastic is all around us, and in so many cute colors too!
[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”2_5″ layout=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” hover_type=”none” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” dimension_margin=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no”][fusion_imageframe image_id=”3508″ max_width=”” style_type=”glow” stylecolor=”” hover_type=”zoomin” bordersize=”” bordercolor=”” borderradius=”” align=”center” lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” alt=”” link=”” linktarget=”_self” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]https://www.earthsquad.global/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/3-24-300×300.jpg[/fusion_imageframe][fusion_separator style_type=”none” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” sep_color=”” top_margin=”20px” bottom_margin=”” border_size=”” icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” /][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” hover_type=”none” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” dimension_margin=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no”][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” class=”” id=””]All that sounds really good and wonderful, but unfortunately it turns out to be “too good to be true”. Plastic very soon showed us its real face, being one of the biggest causes of pollution in the world, starting from environmental and wildlife concerns, to human health![/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container][fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” hundred_percent_height=”no” hundred_percent_height_scroll=”no” hundred_percent_height_center_content=”yes” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”https://www.earthsquad.global/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/recycling-19.jpg” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” video_preview_image=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=””][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”3_5″ layout=”3_5″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.86)” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” undefined=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” hover_type=”none” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”40px” padding_right=”25px” padding_bottom=”25px” padding_left=”25px” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”0px” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no”][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” class=”” id=””]
Marine life, birds and humans
Depending on the type of plastic, it may take up to hundreds of years for a plastic product to decompose. During those years, when we don’t recycle them, plastics just pile up in landfills and in the oceans. What happens there?
Entanglement alone, causes the death of hundreds of thousands of marine mammals and even birds every year! Being trapped in circular plastic packaging materials, an animal will grow bigger in size, and the plastic will cut into its flesh. Being trapped in plastic bags or fishing nets, causes suffocation and drowing of those mammals that need to come out of the water for oxygen. Any plastic ring or rope that makes its way around a bird’s beak, can cause it to starve to death, since the bird won’t be able to eat. If the whole body of a bird gets entangled in fishing nets or ropes, it will prevent it from flying and avoid its predators, or will simply strangle it.[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”2_5″ layout=”2_5″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” undefined=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” hover_type=”none” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”0px” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no”][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container][fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” hundred_percent_height=”no” hundred_percent_height_scroll=”no” hundred_percent_height_center_content=”yes” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” video_preview_image=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” padding_top=”45px” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=””][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”2_5″ layout=”2_5″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” hover_type=”none” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” dimension_margin=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no”][fusion_imageframe image_id=”3326″ max_width=”240px” style_type=”glow” stylecolor=”” hover_type=”none” bordersize=”” bordercolor=”” borderradius=”100%” align=”center” lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” alt=”” link=”” linktarget=”_self” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]https://www.earthsquad.global/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/7-14.jpg[/fusion_imageframe][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”3_5″ layout=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” hover_type=”none” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” dimension_margin=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no”][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” class=”” id=””]Entering the Food Chain, is the next big problem caused to marine life and birds by plastics. Plastic bags and other plastic pieces in the sea are mistaken for food, causing fish and mammals to die of starvation, not being able to digest the plastics, and having no room for real food.
Decomposition of plastics would normally occur faster in the oceans, due to exposure to sun, rain and other conditions. This is not the case though, since the increased volume of plastics in the oceans has slowed down the process after all.[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container][fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” hundred_percent_height=”no” hundred_percent_height_scroll=”no” hundred_percent_height_center_content=”yes” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”https://www.earthsquad.global/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/envatoelements-colorful-plastic-bottle-screw-caps-pbppb7g.jpg” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” video_preview_image=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” margin_top=”20px” margin_bottom=”” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=””][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”2_5″ layout=”2_5″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” undefined=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” hover_type=”none” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”0px” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no”][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”3_5″ layout=”3_5″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.86)” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” undefined=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” hover_type=”none” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”40px” padding_right=”25px” padding_bottom=”25px” padding_left=”25px” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”0px” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no”][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” class=”” id=””]But even when plastic decomposes, it releases toxic chemicals such as bisphenol A. (BPA), which are ultimately absorbed by the marine life. BPA affects growth, reproduction and development in aquatic organisms.
Humans stand on top of the Food Chain, so these chemicals can make their way into your body. BPA is an endocrine disruptor, which means it can cause cancerous tumors, birth defects, and other developmental disorders to us.[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container][fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” hundred_percent_height=”no” hundred_percent_height_scroll=”no” hundred_percent_height_center_content=”yes” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” video_preview_image=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” padding_top=”45px” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=””][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” undefined=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” hover_type=”none” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”0px” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no”][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” class=”” id=””]
Landfills
[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”3_5″ layout=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” hover_type=”none” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” dimension_margin=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no”][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” class=”” id=””]Oceans are not the only place plastics end up in. Taking up space in Landfills is the next thing. As Landfills reach their full capacity, new ones must be created to hold the next millions of tons of our trash. Space needs to be saved, and for that to happen we better choose recycling over dumping whenever we can. Especially with such long lasting materials like plastic.
Space is only one of the problems though. Certain microorganisms in landfills can actually speedup the degradation process of plastics, but this in turn releases methane, which contributes to global warming.[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”2_5″ layout=”2_5″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” hover_type=”none” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” dimension_margin=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no”][fusion_imageframe image_id=”536″ max_width=”” style_type=”glow” stylecolor=”” hover_type=”zoomin” bordersize=”” bordercolor=”” borderradius=”” align=”center” lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” alt=”” link=”” linktarget=”_self” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]https://www.earthsquad.global/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/58.jpg[/fusion_imageframe][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” hover_type=”none” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” dimension_margin=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no”][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” class=”” id=””]
Other plastics contain toxic chemicals that leak out and pollute the soil and groundwater. Uncontrolled burning of plastic releases carcinogenic and toxic fumes.
Pretty bad and pretty ugly.
[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container][fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” hundred_percent_height=”no” hundred_percent_height_scroll=”no” hundred_percent_height_center_content=”yes” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”https://www.earthsquad.global/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/123.jpg” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” video_preview_image=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” padding_top=”60px” padding_right=”40px” padding_bottom=”40px” padding_left=”40px”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.9)” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” undefined=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” hover_type=”none” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”40px” padding_right=”25px” padding_bottom=”25px” padding_left=”25px” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no”][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” class=”” id=””]
Symbol me Crazy
Plastic pollution is one of the biggest challenges the Earth is currently facing. In fact, one could argue that its environmental impact rivals that of climate change and overpopulation. We really need to cut down on our consumption of plastics and recycle whenever possible.
But not all plastics were created equal. There are many different types of plastic; some are recyclable and some are not. So how do we know which plastics can be separated for recycling?
The Society of The Plastics Industry (SPI) has developed a numbering system ranging from 1-7 that serves as a guide to help consumers know what plastics to recycle and how to separate them for recycling. This number appears on the plastic product/packaging/container, inside the chasing arrows recycling symbol, and a letter code that identifies the type of plastic is typically found underneath.
[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container][fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” hundred_percent_height=”no” hundred_percent_height_scroll=”no” hundred_percent_height_center_content=”yes” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” video_preview_image=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” padding_top=”45px” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=””][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”resinbox” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” undefined=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” hover_type=”none” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”0px” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no”][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” class=”” id=””]
Decoding the Alphabet Soup
In an attempt to help consumers better understand these codes — which, lets face it, are as clear as mud — a simplified guide is outlined below.
[/fusion_text][fusion_content_boxes layout=”clean-horizontal” columns=”1″ title_size=”26px” heading_size=”3″ title_color=”” body_color=”” backgroundcolor=”” icon=”” iconflip=”” iconrotate=”” iconspin=”no” iconcolor=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_radius=”” circlecolor=”” circlebordersize=”0″ circlebordercolor=”” outercirclebordersize=”0″ outercirclebordercolor=”#cccccc” icon_size=”” icon_hover_type=”” hover_accent_color=”” image=”” image_width=”” image_height=”” link_type=”” button_span=”” link_area=”” link_target=”” icon_align=”left” animation_type=”” animation_delay=”” animation_offset=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”0px” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””][fusion_content_box title=”1-PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) ” backgroundcolor=”” icon=”” iconflip=”” iconrotate=”” iconspin=”no” iconcolor=”” circlecolor=”” circlebordersize=”” circlebordercolor=”” outercirclebordersize=”” outercirclebordercolor=”” image=”https://www.earthsquad.global/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/symbol_resin_code_01_pet-svg.jpg” image_width=”100″ image_height=”121″ link=”” linktext=”Read More” link_target=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]1-PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) is a transparent plastic used to manufacture plastic bottles commonly used to package bottled water and other soft drinks as well as food jars for products such as peanut butter. PET bottles are transparent and have a hard moulded spot centered on the base of the bottle. Although sturdy and strong, PET products are designed for single use as they can leach potentially carcinogenic contaminants. While they should not be reused, PET plastics are recyclable, and the recycled fibers are used to manufacture sleeping bags, pillows, carpets, rope, etc.[/fusion_content_box][fusion_content_box title=”2-HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) ” backgroundcolor=”” icon=”” iconflip=”” iconrotate=”” iconspin=”” iconcolor=”” circlecolor=”” circlebordersize=”” circlebordercolor=”” outercirclebordersize=”” outercirclebordercolor=”” image=”https://www.earthsquad.global/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/symbol_resin_code_02_pe-hd-svg.jpg” image_width=”100″ image_height=”121″ link=”” linktext=”” link_target=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]
2-HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) is a firm, durable opaque plastic that is used to manufacture butter tubs, milk jugs, motor oil containers, shampoo and detergent bottles, etc. HDPE plastics can be reused and recycled. Recycled HDPE plastic can be used to manufacture flower pots, detergent bottles, traffic cones, trash cans, etc.
[/fusion_content_box][fusion_content_box title=”3-PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) ” backgroundcolor=”” icon=”” iconflip=”” iconrotate=”” iconspin=”” iconcolor=”” circlecolor=”” circlebordersize=”” circlebordercolor=”” outercirclebordersize=”” outercirclebordercolor=”” image=”https://www.earthsquad.global/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/symbol_resin_code_03_pvc-svg.jpg” image_width=”100″ image_height=”121″ link=”” linktext=”” link_target=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]
3-PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) is a transparent plastic used to manufacture cooking oil bottles, shampoo bottles and packaging used to serve fast food. PVC bottles have a seam along the base of the bottle. PVC is also used to manufacture plumbing pipes, window frames, etc. PVC products can be repurposed, however, because PVC contains toxic contaminants, it cannot be recycled into products that need to be food safe, or into children’s products. Recycled PVC can be used to manufacture irrigation and drainage pipes.
[/fusion_content_box][fusion_content_box title=”4-LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene) ” backgroundcolor=”” icon=”” iconflip=”” iconrotate=”” iconspin=”” iconcolor=”” circlecolor=”” circlebordersize=”” circlebordercolor=”” outercirclebordersize=”” outercirclebordercolor=”” image=”https://www.earthsquad.global/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/symbol_resin_code_04_pe-ld-svg.jpg” image_width=”100″ image_height=”121″ link=”” linktext=”” link_target=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]
4-LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene) is commonly used to manufacture shopping bags, bread bags, margarine tub lids, shrink wrap, etc. Plastic bags, film and wraps can be recycled, but they are processed differently to plastic bottles and therefore need to be collected separately. Plastic bags can be reused or returned to the store, or you can take them to a recycling depot that accepts plastic bags for recycling. Recycled LDPE plastic is used to manufacture new shopping bags, garbage bin bags, and products such as floor tiles.
[/fusion_content_box][fusion_content_box title=”5-PP (Polypropylene) ” backgroundcolor=”” icon=”” iconflip=”” iconrotate=”” iconspin=”” iconcolor=”” circlecolor=”” circlebordersize=”” circlebordercolor=”” outercirclebordersize=”” outercirclebordercolor=”” image=”https://www.earthsquad.global/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/symbol_resin_code_05_pp-svg.jpg” image_width=”100″ image_height=”121″ link=”” linktext=”” link_target=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]
5-PP (Polypropylene) is found in many yoghurt containers, bottle caps, straws, etc. Polypropylene is both reusable and recyclable, and is recycled to produce car battery cases, plastic lumber, manhole steps, etc.
[/fusion_content_box][fusion_content_box title=”6-PS (Polystyrene) ” backgroundcolor=”” icon=”” iconflip=”” iconrotate=”” iconspin=”” iconcolor=”” circlecolor=”” circlebordersize=”” circlebordercolor=”” outercirclebordersize=”” outercirclebordercolor=”” image=”https://www.earthsquad.global/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/symbol_resin_code_06_ps-svg.jpg” image_width=”100″ image_height=”121″ link=”” linktext=”” link_target=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]
6-PS (Polystyrene) is used to produce packaging materials, disposable styrofoam beverage cups and containers, meat trays, etc. Polystyrene is recyclable and is used to manufacture plastic lumber, flower pots, etc.
[/fusion_content_box][fusion_content_box title=”7-OTHER ” backgroundcolor=”” icon=”” iconflip=”” iconrotate=”” iconspin=”” iconcolor=”” circlecolor=”” circlebordersize=”” circlebordercolor=”” outercirclebordersize=”” outercirclebordercolor=”” image=”https://www.earthsquad.global/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/symbol_resin_code_07_o-svg.jpg” image_width=”100″ image_height=”121″ link=”” linktext=”” link_target=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]
7-OTHER refers to any other kind of plastic not included above, and is typically a mixture of different types of plastics. It includes items such as microwavable dishes, squeeze sauce bottles, and bottles manufactured from plastics containing BPA — an endocrine disruptor that readily leaches out of plastic posing a health risk to humans. Plastics that fall under this category are not recycled as they are usually comprised of a mixture of plastics that is difficult to recycle safely.
[/fusion_content_box][/fusion_content_boxes][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container][fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” hundred_percent_height=”no” hundred_percent_height_scroll=”no” hundred_percent_height_center_content=”yes” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”https://www.earthsquad.global/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/21.jpg” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” video_preview_image=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” margin_top=”25px” margin_bottom=”” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=””][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”2_5″ layout=”2_5″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” undefined=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” hover_type=”none” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”0px” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no”][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”3_5″ layout=”3_5″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.86)” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” undefined=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” hover_type=”none” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”40px” padding_right=”25px” padding_bottom=”25px” padding_left=”25px” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”0px” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no”][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” class=”” id=””]As we can see from the above, plastic items numbered 1-6 can all be recycled, only items with number 7 cannot be recycled. However, the recycling effort is generated by the demand for the recycled material. If there is little or no demand for a material, recycling depots will have little to no incentive to recycle that material. Therefore not all recycling programs accept all types of plastic. Some recycling depots only accept certain types of plastic, so you would need to check what your local recycling program accepts and sort your plastic for recycling accordingly.[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container][fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” hundred_percent_height=”no” hundred_percent_height_scroll=”no” hundred_percent_height_center_content=”yes” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” video_preview_image=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” margin_top=”40px” margin_bottom=”” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=””][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” hover_type=”none” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” dimension_margin=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no”][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” class=”” id=””]
The Bottle Cap Dilemma
[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”3_5″ layout=”3_5″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” hover_type=”none” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” dimension_margin=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no”][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” class=”” id=””]Depending on what type of plastic your recycling program accepts, it may be advisable to remove plastic caps from plastic bottles that are destined to be recycled. Very often plastic caps consist of a different plastic polymer to that of the bottle and they will therefore melt at different temperatures. Too many bottle caps can contaminate the load, however, the ring at the base of the neck can be left attached as a minimal amount of contamination will not affect the quality of the recycled plastic that much. If your recycling depot accepts polypropylene plastics (PP-5), which generally tends to be used for bottle caps, you can leave the caps on the bottles, or remove and hand to them separately to save them the trouble of sorting. If the caps are made from PET (1) or HDPE (2) plastic they can be recycled along with the bottles.[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”2_5″ layout=”2_5″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” hover_type=”none” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” dimension_margin=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no”][fusion_imageframe image_id=”2333″ max_width=”” style_type=”glow” stylecolor=”” hover_type=”zoomin” bordersize=”” bordercolor=”” borderradius=”” align=”center” lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” alt=”” link=”” linktarget=”_self” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]https://www.earthsquad.global/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/envatoelements-plastic-water-bottle-on-the-table-plaz3fn.jpg[/fusion_imageframe][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container][fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” hundred_percent_height=”no” hundred_percent_height_scroll=”no” hundred_percent_height_center_content=”yes” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”https://www.earthsquad.global/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/177.jpg” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” video_preview_image=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” padding_top=”60px” padding_right=”40px” padding_bottom=”40px” padding_left=”40px”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.9)” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” undefined=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” hover_type=”none” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”40px” padding_right=”25px” padding_bottom=”25px” padding_left=”25px” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no”][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” class=”” id=””]
Good news is that plastic caps are collected and recycled separately in countries around the world, usually through initiatives with the aim to donate to people in need. Find out if there is such a collection program near you, and not only will you have the chance to save the environment from nasty plastic waste, but also to help fellow human beings.
[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container][fusion_global id=”11018″]
not many recycle near me. i dont know how to encourage them to do it, they just laugh and say recycling is stupid. even teachers
Hi Jessie,
most of us have been there. Awareness of people for environmental issues is not as much as it should be and could be. But the arguments speaking for recycling and for environmental concious behaviour are compelling. It’s simply the right thing to do. Join the forum (https://www.earthsquad.global/forum) to reach out to others and get ideas about possibilities.
Thank you!