Why is it a problem that plastics are not biodegradable, when other materials like metals are also not biodegradable?
Plastics are more of a problem because they float in water, but metals sink.
Metals can be broken down by corrosion.
Plastics have been chemically altered from natural resources and cannot be restored.
Metals can at least be recycled and used more than once.
The problem with plastics not being biodegradable is different from that of non-biodegradable materials like metals. While metals also do not biodegrade, there are a few key distinctions that make plastics more problematic.
Firstly, plastics are lightweight and buoyant, which means they easily float on the surface of water bodies such as oceans, rivers, and lakes. This makes them highly prone to being carried away by currents, wind, and tides. This floating characteristic increases the chance of plastics being transported long distances from their original point of disposal and can result in widespread pollution of natural ecosystems, especially aquatic environments.
Secondly, while metals may not biodegrade, they can be broken down through a process called corrosion, which occurs when metals react with substances in the environment. Corrosion can eventually convert metals into less harmful compounds. On the other hand, plastics, particularly those made from petroleum-based polymers, are chemically altered materials that cannot be easily broken down through natural processes. Plastics persist in the environment for an extended period, contributing to the problem of plastic pollution.
Lastly, the recyclability of materials is a crucial factor to consider. While metals are not biodegradable, they can be recycled and repurposed multiple times. This allows for a more sustainable use of metal resources and reduces the overall demand for new metal production. Plastics, on the other hand, face considerable challenges in recycling and are often downcycled or incinerated, leading to significant energy consumption and emissions.
In summary, the problem with non-biodegradable plastics lies in their buoyancy, chemical composition, and limited recyclability. These factors contribute to the persistence of plastics in the environment and the difficulty in managing their waste. While metals may also not biodegrade, the ability to corrode and be recycled makes them less problematic compared to plastics.