Intermediate Environment Environment Issues Worksheet 2: Plastic bags

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Intermediate Environment Environment Issues Worksheet 2: Plastic bags

Intermediate Environment Environment Issues Worksheet 2: Plastic bags

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IntermediateEnvironmentEnvironment Issues

Worksheet 2: Plastic bags

Worksheet 2: Plastic bags

  1. Look at the diagram and discuss the cycle.

Why are the plastic bags a problem for the environment?

  1. Read the text and answer the questions.

An environmental problem

Count the number of plastic bags you regularly use on a weekly basis and see how many of these you can refuse, reduce, reuse or recycle during the next month.

Here are some suggestions on how you can do this.

Recycle

Find a local supermarket that offers recycling facilities for plastic bags. Take back your plastic bags for recycling the next time you go shopping. Be careful to check which plastic bags are accepted at the recycle bins. However, do not put plastic bags in kerb-side recycling collection as they will end up in land fill.

Some plastic bags can be recycled but some cannot.

  • Recyclable HDPE (high density polyethylene film) is used by most supermarkets as checkout bags. These bags can be recycled.
  • Non-recyclable LDPE (low density polyethylene film) is used by some retail shops. They are easily identified as they are a thick, heavier style plastic and usually non-transparent.

Refuse

Refuse plastic bags and use paper bags, calico bags or string bags instead.

Reduce

To reduce your plastic bag usage you can do one or all of the following:

  • If you are buying only one or two items consider carrying them.
  • If you must use plastic bags ensure that each bag has eight items in it.
  • Avoid putting items with carry handles (nappies, dog food) into bags.
  • Avoid double bagging.

Reuse

Reuse your plastic bags to freeze food, pack lunches, line bins and store clothes and other items.

1. / What is the text telling you to do?
 Use strong plastic bag.
 Use fewer plastic bags.
 Use more plastic bags.
2. / What are the four main things you should do?
3. / What should you use to carry your shopping instead of plastic bags?
4. / What should you do when you buy things that have carry handles?
5. / Name two ways you can use the same bag a second time?
6. / What does recycling mean?
Using other kinds of bags instead of plastic bags.
Using the same bag twice.
Using old bags to make new bags.
7. / What type of plastic cannot be recycled?
8. / Where should you take plastic bags for recycling?

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