Recycling - Plastics

1) What is plastic? Is it a man-made product or a natural product?
2) Choose a few types of plastics and discuss how they are made. What is a
polymer?
Discuss the recycling symbols used for plastics.
3) Toxicity of plastics, both in manufacturing and waste disposal. Are plastics toxic? Do
you drink from a plastic water bottle?
4) How much plastic is recycled in the US, globally (be specific with each type of
plastic).
5) Can plastics be burned safely and used as a fuel? What is the BTU content of plastic when
burned? Give a definition for BTU.
6) Biodegradable plastics –what structural features make it biodegradable?
7) What is the current status of plastic debris in the Pacific Ocean. What is being done to
clean up this mess?
8) How long does it take for plastic to decompose in a landfill? In the ocean?
9) Does this information make you reconsider purchasing things that are contained in a
plastic container?
Cite scientific articles that use actual data. Be specific with information and make sure to cite all references.