Plastic Waste Essay

Unnecessary Plastic Waste Plastic as it is known today is a relatively modern invention. The first major breakthrough for a semi-synthetic plastic material occurred in the late 1850’s but with complete disregard to the effects it would have on the environment. By the mid 1900’s multiple types of plastics had been invented, however due to the large molecular construction of plastics, biodegradability was not possible nor was melting the different plastics together, resulting in the plastics being sent to landfills and waste facilities. Recognizing the effects that the plastic waste was having on the environment, in 1988 the Society of Plastics Industry established a classification system, now called SPI codes, which separated the plastics based on their chemical properties so an industrial process could be established for transforming discarded plastic into useful materials. Recycling plastics here in the United State can provide excellent benefits, however, plastics must first undergo a costly and complex, multistep process which includes sorting, separating, cutting, washing, drying and finally melting the …show more content…
The new and innovative products made with recycled plastics fundamentally improve lives, solve big problems and help design a safer, more promising future all while protecting the environment and save energy. Plastic that can be recycled, should be recycled but according to the American Chemistry Council, “An emerging set of technologies is allowing governments and businesses to convert non-recycled plastics into energy, fuels, and feedstocks, or raw materials for new manufacturing.” (Wilson 1) Energy recovery is in its infancy but it is already powering homes and businesses which helps address the growing populations biggest challenges which include energy independence, financial independence, waste diversion, and climate