Paper vs. Plastics

1) Discuss the history of plastics and paper.
2) Discuss the chemical composition of each. Include some discussion about structure of these substances
at a molecular level.
3) How is paper made today in the US? How are plastics made?
4) How much energy is required to make paper and compare this to the energy required in the production
of plastic.
5) What are the advantages and disadvantages of each?
6) Discuss how each product degrades in the environment. What are some of the products of
degradation?
7) Is one more toxic than the other? Cite references that have done studies which show what
chemical compounds are formed from biodegradation.
8) Discuss paper vs. plastics choices in local businesses. You may want to ask them if they have
eliminated plastic from their stores and why they did so.
9) What choices have you made concerning this problem?