Plastics are primarily made from petrochemicals derived from natural resources such as crude oil and natural gas, which undergo a process called polymerization to form long chains of molecules that create plastic materials. One positive effect of plastics is their versatility and durability, making them essential in various industries, from packaging and automotive to healthcare, where they help in manufacturing lightweight, cost-effective products. However, a significant negative effect of plastics is their environmental impact, as many types do not biodegrade easily, leading to pollution in oceans and landfills, which can harm wildlife and ecosystems. The accumulation of plastic waste also contributes to microplastics that can enter the food chain, posing health risks to humans and animals alike. Therefore, while plastics offer many benefits, it is crucial to balance their use with sustainable practices to mitigate their negative consequences.
In this lesson, you learned about synthetic materials. One example of a common synthetic used almost every day is plastic. Plastic comes from natural resources. Synthetic resources can be useful. They can also have negative effects to the environment. In a 5 sentence paragraph, answer these questions. How are these plastics made? Describe one positive and negative effect plastics can have on society.
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