
Course Introduction
Plastics are polymeric materials with plasticity and durability, produced from synthetic or bio-based sources, where crude oil processing yields ethylene and propylene that polymerize into polyethylene and polypropylene.
Identify the main plastic types by codes PET, HDPE, PVC, LDPE, PP, PS, and others, their properties, common applications, and recyclability, with notes on production and recycling rates.
Plastic production has risen since 1950, reaching 381 million tons in 2015 and totaling 7.8 billion tons, with more than half produced between 2000 and 2015, highlighting waste management challenges.
Capitalize on packaging's dominance; it accounts for 42% of production (146 million tons). Target construction and textiles, while packaging drives the most waste with about a 6-month lifetime.
Track the fate of plastic waste from early discard to incineration and recycling, with 2015 figures: 55% discarded, 25% incinerated, 20% recycled, and recycling insufficient to solve the crisis.
Discover how biodegradation times differ for organic waste versus plastics, with plastics taking years to centuries to decompose and impacting wildlife, habitats, and humans.
Trace plastic production and mismanaged waste to oceans via rivers, causing ingestion and entanglement. Note the Great Pacific garbage patch and how 3% of yearly production reaches oceans.
We live in an era with many challenges: climate change, water scarcity, air pollution, animals extinction, etc... Plastic pollution is one of these serious challenges we need to be aware of and find solutions to.
Plastic is everywhere. Almost every aspect of our life is linked to some form of plastic.
We use plastic in packaging for our food and drinks, we also use it for hygiene and cleaning.
However, plastic waste has got out of our hands, and today we have to deal with plastic pollution and save our ecosystems and environment.
In this course, we address plastic pollution from many angles to give the audience a broad perspective about the matter.
The course is composed of 12 sections:
Introduction
1. What is Plastic and how is it produced ?
2. What are Plastic types and their applications?
3. How much plastic do we produce?
4. Which industries & companies rely most on plastic?
5. What is the fate of plastic waste?
6. How long does it take plastics to decompose?
7. How does plastic impact on marine life and oceans?
8. How does plastic impact wildlife?
9. How does plastic impact plants and lands?
10. How does plastic impact humans?
11. Are there any solutions on the government level?
12. How can we tackle plastic pollution as individuals?
Conclusion
This course is rich and concise; It provides essential and concentrated information about plastic pollution theme. I hope you enjoy it.