Plastic Planet

Nowadays, we live in a world that has not pure nature anymore. We live in a world full of material
things such as electronic devices and many inventions that the human being has been creating over
the past 100 years. In the middle of these inventions, and maybe one of the most useful inventions,
is plastic. The main topic in the documentary is plastic and how we are living in the “Age of Plastic”.

We have lived around plastic since our birth, for example, baby bottles, toys, diapers, all of these
objects are made out of this material, or has some of it in its manufacture, and even the clothes we
use now contain this kind of element.

The director and writer Werner Boote wanted to know the exact process of how the industries make
plastic. Therefore, he travelled to many countries around the world to be able to find it. However,
none of the companies he visited showed him the process; they said it was a secret and prohibited
to show to public. Why it was a secret? Are many components in the process as dangerous as many
scientists say?

The problem with the plastic is the pollution that it cause. The process of plastic begins with oil.
Petroleum is used for the production of plastic. Industries mix this black gold with many secret
components and then a chemical reaction occurs. Polymers appear and after secret processes, the
pellets of plastic are formed. These pellets are also mixed with other secret substances and finally
the plastic is created.

The dilemma here is that some of the chemical components of the plastic are dangerous. Plastic
releases toxins while existing. When a plastic product is exposed to the sun, that light and warm
sensation that reaches it directly causes the plastic to release its particles to the air. These particles
enter the organism of living beings and it can develop in diseases such as cancer. This deliberate
release of particles also occurs when someone scratch the plastic or simply when someone use it in
their normal activities.

This gets complicated because plastic takes more than 200 years to decompose. The process of
degradation is very slowly. Therefore, plastic stays 200 years releasing harmful particles. The whole
planet now is full of this material and every living being feeds on plastic because it can penetrate
the food chain. The ocean is full of plastic too, fishes mistake plastic with plankton and start eating
it, then, die. Plastic is affecting the ecosystems.
There are many types of plastic but five of them are the most commonly used for us. It is very
important to know all of these types because with that information we could know the risk they
pose. The type of plastic can be determined through a classification system called the Resin
Identification Code, which is the number printed on the bottom of most plastic containers and food
containers. This describe what type of plastic resin was used to make the product.

Plastic 1: Polyethylene terephthalate (PET). This type of plastic is considered safe but it could filter
antimony, a toxic metal. Scientists has also found bromine which is known to act as a central nervous
system depressant and can cause a series of psychological symptoms such as paranoia. PET is usually
used to make bottles of water, juice or other beverages, mouth rinses, sports drinks and containers
for condiments such as ketchup and jams.

Plastic 2: High Density Polyethylene (HDPE). HDPE contains a high concentration of estrogenic
chemicals that can alter the hormones and human cells. We can found this type of plastic in boxes
for milk, juices, and containers for shampoo. It is also used to make plastic bags.

Plastic 3: Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC). This contains phthalate; this chemical causes damages in the
endocrine system and causes many male species become feminine. Is commonly found in bags for
bedding products, meat packets, plastic toys, tablecloths and medicine packages.

Plastic 4: Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE). LDPE has some of the same chemicals as PVC and is used
in bread bags, newspapers and garbage bags.

Plastic 5: Polystyrene (PS). Polystyrene is known to filter styrene, which can damage the nervous
system and is linked to cancer. Polystyrene is used to make cups, plates, bowls, disposable
containers, meat trays and more.

As we commonly known, plastic is a material non-recyclable. Petrochemicals have become the

primary source material for plastic. Nevertheless, these recent years, many scientists have been
researching for new methods to produce a recyclable plastic. They are trying to use ethanol from
sugarcane or wood fiber so the plastic can be reused. We can find that wood fiber in plants, and
that component is biodegradable so it is not dangerous for the planet.

Nylon 11 is also a material that is suitable for use in the production of plastic. It has proven to be
resistant to most chemicals, it is durable and it has a high heat resistant too, that is why, it can be
recycled. Soaps, paints, perfumes, pharmaceuticals and lubricants could be made with nylon.
A team of scientists from Stanford University (USA) has also discovered a way to make plastic from
carbon dioxide (CO2) and non-edible plant material, such as agricultural waste or pastures. This
component called PEF (Polyethylene furanoate) is ecological and it would be beneficial if they could
produce it massively and at low cost.

Scientists have been researching for alternatives over the past recent years, but we can also search
for alternatives that can help to have a cleaner world. Although it is impossible to live in a world
completely free of plastic, we can make its usage less frequent. There are many alternatives for an
efficient and conscious use of plastic.

First, we need to have very clear and practice the five R’s that are Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose,
and Recycle. For example, we use plastic for almost everything, so the plastic products that we are
not going to use anymore, it can be useful for another purpose. We need to be creative and look for
another utility before throwing it out.

If we want to reduce the usage of plastic, we could stop buying plastic water bottles; instead, we
can boil the water from the tap water. We can also use reusable bags, cloth bags or bags made out
of plant material. It is a good recommendation to store food in the freezer in glass jars instead of
plastic bags. We can also replace kitchen utensils with glass or ceramic alternatives.

As we also know, plastic is widely found in packaged processed foods, for example canned food and
drinks, that is why, it will be beneficial if we eat fresh and natural products.

Another good option to make more people aware of this problem and find solutions is making more
publicity. We should spread the word to all the people around us. Just with a simple advice to a
friend on how to recycle, it can help. We can make banners explaining the problem to make people
conscious about it, and we could propose solutions in our university too. If we let more people know,
it will make a change.

However, we do not need to wait to other people to start acting; we need to do the actions ourselves.

María Pía Ungaro Hayashida