Polymers: Ecological & Social Footprint
Design & Technology: AQA GCSE, topic 5.1.5
Ecological & Social Footprint
Ecological issues in the design and manufacture of products.
Ecological issues
- Polymers are made from crude oil.
- Crude oil is a non-renewable source.
- This means there are ecological issues involved in the manufacture and use of polymers.
Sea life and wildlife
- Digging for oil can have an impact on sea life and wildlife.
- Drilling and transporting oil can allow oil to leak into the ocean.
- Plastic pollution in the ocean means plastic is in our food chain.
- Plastic particles are found in fish.
Plastic pollution
- Plastic pollution is a major issue for the world.
- Plastics take a long time to biodegrade.
Recycling plastics
- Thermoforming plastics can be recycled.
- Recycling plastic is better for the environment.
- Thermosetting plastics cannot be recycled.
Test yourself on Polymers: Ecological & Social Footprint
What food contains the most plastic particles?