Question 1

What is plastic made from?

Accepted Answer

Plastic is made from oil, which is a thick, sticky liquid found deep underground. Factories take this oil and turn it into small pellets, which they then melt to shape into all kinds of plastic products.

Question 2

Why do we use plastic?

Accepted Answer

We use plastic because it's very strong and can be shaped into different things easily. It's also quite cheap to make, and can last a long time.

Question 3

What are plastic pellets?

Accepted Answer

Plastic pellets are tiny pieces, like little bits of rice, that factories use to create plastic items. These pellets are melted and then shaped into things like bottles, toys, and bags.

Question 4

How is plastic turned into bottles or toys?

Accepted Answer

Factories melt the plastic pellets and pour the melted plastic into molds, which are like the shapes of the things they're making. Once the plastic cools down, it hardens and keeps that shape, like a bottle or a toy.

Question 5

Why does plastic last so long?

Accepted Answer

Plastic is very strong and durable, which means it doesn't break down easily. This is good when we want things to last, but it can be bad because it doesn't easily disappear if we throw it away.

Question 6

Why do we need to be careful with plastic waste?

Accepted Answer

We need to be careful with plastic waste because if it's not thrown away properly, it can harm animals and nature. Animals may eat it thinking it's food, and it can pollute our environment.

Question 7

What happens when we throw away plastic?

Accepted Answer

When we throw away plastic, it often ends up in landfills, which are big holes where trash is buried. If not thrown away properly, plastic can also end up in rivers and oceans.

Question 8

Can plastic be recycled?

Accepted Answer

Yes, plastic can be recycled. This means it can be turned into something new, like when an old plastic bottle becomes part of a new park bench or a fresh bottle.

Question 9

How does recycling help the environment?

Accepted Answer

Recycling helps the environment by saving materials and reducing trash. It means we use less new plastic, and throw away less, which helps keep our planet clean.

Question 10

What is biodegradable plastic?

Accepted Answer

Biodegradable plastic is a type of plastic that can break down more easily in nature. It's made to disappear faster than regular plastic when thrown away correctly.

Question 11

Why is it hard for regular plastic to disappear?

Accepted Answer

Regular plastic is tough and doesn't naturally break down. It can stay in the environment for hundreds of years before it fully disappears.

Question 12

What can we do to use less plastic?

Accepted Answer

We can use things like reusable bags, bottles, and containers instead of single-use plastic. By choosing products with less plastic packaging, we also help reduce plastic use.

Question 13

What is a single-use plastic?

Accepted Answer

Single-use plastic is meant to be used just once and then thrown away. Examples are plastic straws, bags, and forks.

Question 14

Where does plastic waste in the ocean come from?

Accepted Answer

Plastic waste in the ocean mostly comes from trash that isn't thrown away properly. It often travels from land through rivers until it ends up in the sea.

Question 15

How can plastic in the ocean affect sea animals?

Accepted Answer

Sea animals can mistake plastic for food and eat it, which can make them very sick. Sometimes they can also get tangled in plastic, which can be harmful.

Question 16

What is a landfill?

Accepted Answer

A landfill is a special place where trash is buried. They are designed to keep the trash safe from the environment, but plastic here can stay for a very long time.

Question 17

Why do some people collect plastic waste from beaches?

Accepted Answer

People collect plastic waste from beaches to help keep the ocean and beach clean and safe for animals and people. It’s a way to make sure plastic waste doesn't hurt wildlife or pollute the sea.

Question 18

Can all plastics be recycled?

Accepted Answer

Not all plastics can be recycled because some are made differently, and recycling places can't handle them. It's important to check the recycling rules in your area to know which plastics they accept.

Question 19

What happens to plastic in a recycling bin?

Accepted Answer

When plastic goes in a recycling bin, it is collected and taken to a recycling center. There it is sorted, cleaned, and turned into new plastic items, like benches or bottles.

Question 20

What can I do to help reduce plastic waste?

Accepted Answer

You can help reduce plastic waste by using less plastic and recycling. Try bringing your own reusable bags and bottles, and recycle the plastic you do use whenever you can.

The Lifecycle of Plastic: From Production to Disposal - 20 FAQs Explained Simply