Page 3 - Lesson Notes

PLASTICS AND THE ENVIRONMENT:

 Plastic is a non-biodegradable material. It either takes many years to get decomposed or
does not get decomposed.

 Due to non-biodegradable property of plastic, it is a very major problem for environment.

Problem:

 Now days, plastic is very popular and used it for many purposes. As a result, we generate a
large amount of plastic waste.

 Since plastic has non-biodegradable property, so plastic waste is getting accumulated in
the environment. It causes environmental pollution.

 Accumulated plastic waste is a major concern as it does not get completely burnt easily. In

the process it releases lots of poisonous fumes into the atmosphere causing air pollution.

Preventive Measures:

 We should avoid the use of plastics things as far as possible.

 Do not throw plastic bags in the water bodies or on the road.

 The biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes should be collected separately and
disposed of separately in different dustbins.

For dealing with plastic waste, we should follow the 4 R’s, i.e. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Recover.
1. Reduce:

 We should reduce the use of plastic

 E.g., we should use cloth or jute bag for purchasing any things instead of using plastic

bags.

2. Reuse:

 We should reuse some plastic things and containers in our homes and offices.

 E.g., empty plastic bottles and container should be used for keeping other items in the

home and kitchen.

3. Recycle:

 Thermoplastic can be recycled.

 So, items made of thermoplastic should be sent to the recycling industry.
 E.g., toys, buckets, mugs etc.

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