History of Plastic Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What phrase was used a lot in the 1950s when mass-produced plastic items started to become part of our everyday lives?

Plastic is fantastic

What is the estimated percentage of single-use plastics in all plastic pollution globally?

40%

How much plastic waste is estimated to be dumped into the oceans every year?

11 million tonnes

What are the tiny plastic pieces known as that have been found inside the human body?

Microbeads Signup and view all the answers

What is the potential route by which microbeads can be passed from mother to child?

Through breast milk Signup and view all the answers

What environmental issue has led to the questioning of our love for plastic?

Climate change and pollution caused by single-use plastics Signup and view all the answers

What was the original purpose of inventing plastic?

To replace the decreasing supply of natural materials like metal, wood, and glass. Signup and view all the answers

What did Dr. Sherry Mason's research into microplastics in rivers lead to?

The US Congress banning microbeads. Signup and view all the answers

According to Dr. Sherry Mason, why doesn't nature know what to do with plastic?

Because it is a synthetic material and nature hasn't evolved to break it down. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to natural materials like paper when they decay?

They harmlessly turn back into soil. Signup and view all the answers

What is responsible for the waste we see in the environment?

The fact that plastic doesn't decay. Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the plastic-eating microbe mentioned in the text?

Rhodococcus rube. Signup and view all the answers

What is needed in addition to plastic-eating microbes to address plastic waste?

An emphasis on reducing plastic production, especially packaging and other single-use products, rather than simply recycling. Signup and view all the answers

Why was plastic invented to replace natural materials?

Due to the decreasing supply of natural materials like metal, wood, and glass. Signup and view all the answers

What is the problem with plastic in aquatic systems?

Few organisms can use it as a food source due to its synthetic nature. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between plastic and natural materials like paper in terms of decay?

Plastic doesn't decay and get broken down by microbes and bacteria, while natural materials like paper do. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Rise of Plastic

The phrase "better living through chemistry" was used extensively in the 1950s when mass-produced plastic items became part of everyday life.

Plastic Pollution

An estimated 80% of plastic pollution globally comes from single-use plastics.

Plastic Waste

Approximately 8 million tons of plastic waste are dumped into oceans every year.

Microplastics

Microplastics are tiny plastic pieces found inside the human body.
Microbeads can be passed from mother to child through the placenta.

Environmental Impact

The environmental issue of plastic pollution has led to a reevaluation of our love for plastic.

Origin of Plastic

Plastic was originally invented to replace natural materials.

Dr. Sherry Mason's Research

Dr. Sherry Mason's research into microplastics in rivers led to a deeper understanding of plastic pollution.

Nature and Plastic

According to Dr. Sherry Mason, nature doesn't know what to do with plastic because it's a foreign substance.

Natural Materials

Natural materials like paper decay into organic compounds.

Human Responsibility

Humans are responsible for the waste seen in the environment.

Plastic-Eating Microbe

The plastic-eating microbe mentioned in the text is Ideonella sakaiensis.

Addressing Plastic Waste

In addition to plastic-eating microbes, a change in human behavior is needed to address plastic waste.

Origins of Plastic

Plastic was invented to replace natural materials, which were becoming scarce.

Plastic in Aquatic Systems

Plastic in aquatic systems is a major problem because it doesn't decay like natural materials.

Decay of Materials

The main difference between plastic and natural materials like paper is that plastic doesn't decay naturally.

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Description

Test your knowledge of the history and impact of plastic in modern life. Explore how plastic became a widely used material and its prevalence in everyday items.