Plastic Pollution

By: Andrew Cunningham and Elliott Soofer

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Problem Statement
Plastic Pollution is a worldwide problem that affects
humans and animals alike. Heating or freezing plastic
releases illness causing chemicals called dioxins. There is
an estimated 300 billion pounds of plastic produced per
year, and only 5% of that is recycled. It affects billions of
people and animals per year.
The Science
Chemical Compound
Plasticity
Reusing plastic bottles
Effective Against the elements
Completely man made
http://www.viewzone.com/plasticpoison.html
How Big is it?
About 300 billion pds.
per year
Only 5% of plastic is recycled
Microbeads
Great Pacific Garbage Patch
Growing problem
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jpg
Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP)
Ocean Vortex
2x the size of Texas
3.5 million tons of plastic
garbage
Great Pacific Gyre
Nonbiodegradable
Ocean breaks down plastic
into harmful plastic flakes
PRO: Cheap, light, and durable.
PRO: Can be easily molded to fit any requirement.
CON: Harmful imprint on environment,
wildlife, and human health.
CON: Spawns harmful diseases.
CON: Plastic practically lasts forever.
Pros and Cons of Plastic Bottle
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Causes
Heating or freezing plastic
bottles
Not biodegradable
Reuse of plastic bottles
Gas from machines, trucks
and factories
http://www.concordontap.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/plant%202.jpg?
itok=BzbPEGyY
Effects
Breast, uterine, and prostate
cancer
Releases harmful toxins
into the air -- Gas form
Kills humans and animals
http://www.oceanvoyagesinstitute.org/wordpress/wp-
content/uploads/2013/04/chris_jordan_plastic-filled-stomach_albatross.
jpg
Options to Consider Going Forward
Aluminum bottles
LESS PLASTIC
Saying paper please at the grocery store
Helping clean beaches and lakes of plastic debris
BAN PLASTIC from unnecessary
packaging
http://www.beverageuniverse.com/images/Coke%208.5.jpg
Why Should YOU Care?
Over 1 million seabirds die a year from eating
plastic
Imagine eating plastic for breakfast, lunch, and
dinner
Can cause harmful diseases
GPGP!!
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0GHxXkYAxJ4/UIqVBBZ8YiI/AAAAAAAABg0/rmCzhg3WmjM/s1600/580019_392206
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Bibliography
"5 Gyres Publishes First Scientific Paper On Plastic Pollution In The Great Lakes - 5 Gyres ? Understanding Plastic Pollution Through Exploration,
Education, and Action." 5 Gyres Understanding Plastic Pollution Through Exploration Education and Action. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Feb. 2014.
Armstrong, Lindsay. "The Best Reusable Water Bottles (PHOTOS)." The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 29 Jan. 2010. Web. 28 Feb. 2014.
"Articles." BeCause Water. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Feb. 2014.
"BrainPOP - Animated Educational Site for Kids - Science, Social Studies, English, Math, Arts & Music, Health, and Technology." BrainPOP -
Animated Educational Site for Kids - Science, Social Studies, English, Math, Arts & Music, Health, and Technology. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Mar. 2014.
"Causes and Effects of Plastic Pollution." Causes and Effects of Plastic Pollution. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Mar. 2014.
"The Environmental Toll of Plastics." ? Environmental Health News. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 Feb. 2014.
"Plastic Pollution Coalition." Plastic Pollution Coalition RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Feb. 2014.