Permanence versus Impermanence: The Plastic Revolution
31/1/2015
The issue
At the start of this new school year, I heard of a child
that had been playing ‘teachers’ over the holidays. And guess what that child
acted out as part of this scenario? It wasn’t writing on a blackboard or giving
assistance with arithmetic… no, it was laminating! Not surprising, seeing as
this has been a task I have also undertaken most school holidays since I
started my teaching career in 2013. It has quite a therapeutic effect; feeding
the pages in and watching them come slowly out the other side, infused with the
warmth that melted the plastic together. The reason for lamination is usually
to protect documents and displays from wear and tear, particularly those to be
written on with whiteboard markers or handled frequently by students.
Over the last few months, I have been paying more attention
to where my rubbish goes, and have been looking for appropriate recycling or reuse
avenues as an option to landfill. It occurred to me to research how to dispose
of laminated paper, and this is what I found out:
·
Plastic lamination might never break down, or
might only decompose if it is broken up with moisture and warmth over time.[1]
·
Laminated paper is not recyclable, as it is a
mixed material and cannot be separated.[2]
Paper is broken down with water and plastic is broken down with heat.2
·
Laminated paper can be reused as a coaster or
placemat, as they are water-proof,1 or made into a divider in a
folder or a dry-erase board.[3]
·
Plastic sleeves are a better option as they can
be reused to protect multiple documents and can be separated at the end, and
the paper recycled.2
The positives:
·
I have noticed that ‘long-lasting’,
‘weather-proof’, ‘flexible’, ‘affordable’ and ‘unbreakable’ all seem to be
driving the current obsession for plastic items. Admittedly, this self-confessed
‘butter-fingers’ prefers plastic drink bottles and containers for obvious
reasons!
·
Many plastics can be recycled, including plastic
bags and soft packaging at Coles supermarkets, in partnership with The Red
Group.[4]
The negatives:
·
Many plastics are not recyclable and recyclable
plastics are often thrown into landfill bins, filling up tips and the ocean
with a material that does not break down for centuries.[5] In
a study in the U.S., 86% of plastic bottles were thrown into landfill bins.[6]
·
Plastic is made from petrochemicals and natural
gas among other ingredients [7]
and toxic chemicals, such as phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA), which are
released throughout its manufacture, use and disposal, and also absorb other
toxins in its environment. These toxins have been linked with reproductive and
organ problems, birth defects and cancer. Edible fish are being contaminated
through eating plastic in the ocean.5
·
Plastic manufacture and recycling release
dioxins, carcinogenic compounds, into the air. Often plastic recycling workers
in Asia, where some of the main plants are, do not have the appropriate
protective clothing to stop them from breathing in these chemicals.7
Plastics also give off toxic gasses, phthalates, into the air even after they
are made. This is often the ‘new’ smell that goes with a soft plastic product.
Phthalates have been associated with male fertility problems, worsened asthma
and allergy symptoms, birth defects and behavioural problems.7
What do you do with a material that continues to be made but does not readily break down???
There is surely a reason that even the human body goes back to dust!
What do you do with a material that continues to be made but does not readily break down???
There is surely a reason that even the human body goes back to dust!
Points for action:
Follow the
recycling steps, IN ORDER!
1. REFUSE
single-use plastics. Instead, bring your own shopping and produce bags to the
market. Use reusable bottles. Bring your own containers for take-away or ask for
non-plastic disposable packaging.
2. REDUCE waste.
Choose products with the least plastic packaging. Cut back on plastic
disposable goods like razors, straws, cups, plates and silverware.
3. REUSE preferably
non-toxic containers and goods to make less waste.
4. RECYCLE
plastics as a last option, after exhausting the first three options.5
Look for
alternatives to plastic
· Choose glass bottles and jars over plastic
ones.6
· Choose biodegradable packaging, such as
paper, cardboard and bamboo.6
·
Take your own containers and bottles with you
when eating or drinking out.6
·
Use crockery at a party, or consider using a
compostable plate or serviette for guests to rest their finger food on.
·
Consider
a plastic-free lifestyle! Check out: http://myplasticfreelife.com/plasticfreeguide/
for 100 steps to living without plastic!
My next steps? Using protective sleeves instead of laminating, and gradually eliminating plastic from my grocery shopping… Let's see how it goes!
Yours musingly,
The Learning Philosopher
