Benefits of plastics

These are some examples that show how advanced materials like plastics can help us save energy and will help us create a sustainable future.
A lighter world with plastics! Plastics can even help you conserve your own energy! Plastic packaging means lighter shopping to carry home. A cosier world with plastics! When properly installed, plastic insulation can cut heat or cold loss at home or school by up to 70%, making it so much warmer or cooler, cosier and energy-efficient! Capture the winds power with plastics! Wind power is free but did you know that capturing the power of the wind would be impossible without plastics? Special plastics are used in the wind turbine covers and huge blades to tap into this environmentally friendly energy source! Flying further on less fuel with plastics! Did you know that plastics are being used to replace more and more aircraft parts? The wing boxes of the Airbus A380 use plastic fibre composites, which reduces the aircraft by 1.5 tons. The aircraft can fly further and carry more cargo using the same amount of fuel, talk about energy-efficiency! Lighter cars with plastics! Plastic is an ideal material for use in car manufacturing. A modern mid-range car contains about 11% plastic material components. That means less weight, less fuel consumption and therefore less CO2 emissions. Tapping the suns energy with plastics! Did you know that harnessing solar power would be impossible without plastics? Solar panels are made from plastics, and solar power is a free, highly efficient energy source! Plastic packaging saves fuel! Did you know that the amount of fuel a delivery truck needs could be considerably reduced if the cargo uses plastic containers? Obvious: lightweight means less fuel consumption! Switch off the engine with plastics! Using plastic to exploit the power of the wind can reduce a ships fuel consumption considerably, which means lower oil consumption and less CO2emissions! Keeping it cool with plastics! Todays refrigerators use plastics in their insulation systems to ensure that your food and drinks stay fresher and cooler for longer whilst using less energy! More light for less energy! Innovative technology and special plastic lenses used in todays LEDs means that they are twice as bright as conventional types using the same amount of energy! A better world with plastics!

Did you know that we use plastics to keep our homes warmer, our cars lighter and our food fresher? Plastics are also used to harness wind and solar energy resources cleanly and efficiently! http://www.futurenergia.org/ww/en/pub/futurenergia/energy_world_/benefits.htm

Plastics Characteristics Plastics are made from fossil fuels--petroleum, natural gas, coal--, wood and some plant materials, air, water and sometimes other common materials. They are designed in many different formulas for different purposes. There are two main types: Thermoplastics soften when heated, harden when cooled, so caution is required in use. Examples are: Acrylic, Cellulosic, Nylon, Polyethylene, Polystyrene, Polypropylene, and Vinyl. Thermosetting plastics are set into permanent shape with heat. They do not soften when reheated. Examples are: Phenolic, Melamine, Urea and Thermoset Polyester. Properties of basic plastics resins can be changed by adding fillers, plasticizers, or stabilizers. Examples are: Polystyrene, which cracks easily, can be made to resist impact by addition of rubber modifiers; Polyester resin, reinforced with glass fibers, makes durable products such as shower stalls or boats. Plastics may be shaped by molding, casting extrusion, calendaring, and foaming. Examples are as follows: Molded-dishes, furniture Cast-furniture, cutlery handles Laminated-materials for counter tops, furniture Extruded-fibers Calendared-plastic film, plastic-coated fabric Foamed-upholstery foam, sponges This article was written by Anne Field, Extension Specialist, Emeritus, with references from Ohio Extension bulletins Choosing and Using Microwave Utensils and Accessories and other Plastics handouts. Risking your life because of Bisphenol A Besphenol A or BPA is an organic compound that has challenged all prior scientific theories on the stability of plastic. This compound is what makes plastic unstable. When exposed to heat or cleaned with strong detergents or containing an acidic agent within, the compound breaks up to respective components which then leech into the food or beverage, whatever is contained within. BPA is basically found in polycarbonate plastics, in other words, the entire baby bottles, 5 gallon water bottles as well as plastic cutlery. Polycarbonate plastics are denoted by the number "7" present in the icon similar to a recycling symbol on the container.

The leeching of BPA into the food and consequently into the body has drastic impacts. The nature of BPA is such that it starts to mimic the human hormone estrogens. Estrogen is responsible for brain development, reproduction as well as fetus development. The hazards of Besphemol A can be summed up in the following list: 1. Obesity 2. Low sperm count 3. Infertile sperm 4. Breast cancer 5. Prostate cancer 6. Early puberty 7. Hyperactivity 8. Miscarriage 9. Diabetes 10. Altered immune systems 11. Schizophrenia.

Interesting as it is, the effects of BPA have not yet been conducted on human beings. Yet the research conducted on monkeys, infant monkeys, pregnant monkeys, have brought in to the focus the harmful effects of BPA on different age groups. One thing has been established: the use of plastic is undeniably dangerous.

The age group most prone to the effects of BPA leeching were the infants and the children. Scientists have offered varied reasons why this age group is most prone to the harms of plastics. They have offered two possible reasons:

1. Babies and children have a high rate of consumptions of food and beverages as compared to adults, in proportion to their small size. 2. The fragile internal system is not mature enough to metabolize BPA, unlike the adult metabolism system. 3. Pregnant women are prone to having the defects of BPA transferred to the baby so many babies are born with chromosomal defects. Things to do to protect yourself from dangerous plastics The question now is how to eliminate or drastically cut down the use of polycarbonate plastics? While critics claim that its features are hard to compete with for it is not only cheap but also lightweight and shatterproof. However, the market is not devoid of stable plastics, such as polyethelyne and polypropelyne. These can offer fine substitutes under most conditions. If Japan can use natural resin for lining tin cans, hence decreasing in the levels of BPA in the urine; then why should the rest of the world hesitate to progress?

Here are some other steps that need to be employed and highlighted repeatedly for human safety:

1. Avoid microwaving food in plastic containers, unless a microwave safe rating is inscribed on the container. 2. Do not use cling-wrap, particularly on meat and other fatty food such as cheese. 3. Avoid using plastic water bottles. 4. Use glass bottles for babies. 5. Similarly, for cutlery avoid plastic spoons and forks and stick to the traditional steel cutlery. 6. Prevent the use of detergents in washing plastic plates. 7. Avoid canned foods and drinks as they are lined with BPA. 8. Use cartons instead of plastics. 9. Do not use plastics with the number "7" inscribed on them for they refer to polycarbonates that are rich in BPA.

While the aforementioned steps may sound like an elusive lifestyle to adopt, the fact of the matter is that it only requires a slight shift in the mindset. After all, when plastic bags were deemed dangerous, everyone shifted to using paper bags - to save the environment. This time the concern is not only the environment but the safety of your own family, particularly your children as they are the most prone to attracting the dangerous consequences of plastics.

There may be doubts amongst the people regarding whether the entire BPA leeching issue has been mere propaganda; however, scientists have now agreed that BPA does pose a high risk of adverse effects, particularly on the babies. While so far, the FDA has stated that the status of BPA is harm free. Yet other scientific studies show otherwise. The debate may continue, however it is better to follow precautions rather than suffer from lack of prevention.

For more information on how to live a risk-free and healthy lifestyle, visit http://fitbuff.com.

http://re.hostrocket.com/recyclables_plastics.htm
the Harms of Plastics Plastics are synthetic polymers. Unlike natural polymers, most synthetic macromolecules cannot be assimilated by microorganisms, i.e. non-degradable. The problem of non-biodegradability is highlighted by overflowing landfills, polluted marine waters, and unsightly litter. Plastic waste not only disturbs our enjoyment of nature, it is also hazardous to a variety of living creatures: birds, fish, and other animals die from ingesting it or becoming entangled in it.

Environmental Pollution: The Harmful Effects of Plastic Bags

Every once in a while the government here passes out an order banning shop keepers from providing plastic bags to customers for carrying their purchases, with little lasting effect. Plastic bags are very popular with both retailers as well as consumers because they are cheap, strong, lightweight, functional, as well as a hygienic means of carrying food as well as other goods. Even though they are one of the modern conveniences that we seem to be unable to do without, they are responsible for causing pollution, killing wildlife, and using up the precious resources of the earth. About a hundred billion plastic bags are used each year in the US alone. And then, when one considers the huge economies and populations of India, China, Europe, and other parts of the world, the numbers can be staggering. The problem is further exacerbated by the developed countries shipping off their plastic waste to developing countries like India. Here are some of the harmful effects of plastic bags: Plastic bags litter the landscape. Once they are used, most plastic bags go into landfill, or rubbish tips. Each year more and more plastic bags are ending up littering the environment. Once they become litter, plastic bags find their way into our waterways, parks, beaches, and streets. And, if they are burned, they infuse the air with toxic fumes. Plastic bags kill animals. About 100,000 animals such as dolphins, turtles whales, penguins are killed every year due to plastic bags. Many animals ingest plastic bags, mistaking them for food, and therefore die. And worse, the ingested plastic bag remains intact even after the death and decomposition of the animal. Thus, it lies around in the landscape where another victim may ingest it. Plastic bags are non-biodegradable. And one of the worst environmental effects of plastic bags is that they are non-

biodegradable. The decomposition of plastic bags takes about 1000 years. Petroleum is required to produce plastic bags. As it is, petroleum products are diminishing and getting more expensive by the day, since we have been using this non-renewable resource increasingly. Petroleum is vital for our modern way of life. It is necessary for our energy requirements for our factories, transport, heating, lighting, and so on. Without viable alternative sources of energy yet on the horizon, if the supply of petroleum were to be turned off, it would lead to practically the whole world grinding to a halt. Surely, this precious resource should not be wasted on producing plastic bags, should it? So, What Can be Done about the Use of Plastic Bags? Single-use plastic bags have become such a ubiquitous way of life that it seems as if we simply cannot do without them. However, if we have the will, we can start reducing their use in small ways.

A tote bag can make a good substitute for holding the shopping. You can keep the bag with the cahier, and then put your purchases into it instead of the usual plastic bag. Recycling the plastic bags you already have is another good idea. These can come into use for various purposes, like holding your garbage, instead of purchasing new ones.

While governments may be working out ways to lessen the impact of plastic bags on the environment, however, each of us should shoulder some of the responsibility for this problem, which ultimately harms us.