Plastic is Made from Petrolium?

Question

Of all the hype we endure regarding oil consumption, why aren't we recycling plastic? I double-dog dare you to go through one day without touching something not made of plastic. As a matter of fact make a list of all the things you see right now that is not made of plastic (the list will be a lot shorter)

Answer 1

Problem is that several plastics do not recycle well.  SO it is harder to recycle plastics than some would think.  That's why many recyclers only take certain types of plastic bottles and not all as some are harder (more costly as well) to recycle.

See what you can find out and maybe you can start a recycling business for some of the plastics around.

Answer 2

We are. That's what the little triangle with the number in the middle, seen on most plastic products, is for. It tells you what type of plastic the item is made of.

Answer 3

Well, we are recycling plastic, so you can calm down.

Plastics account for a small fraction of oil consumption, and oil prices account for a small fraction of the expense of making plastics.  Short term, there are much more serious environmental concerns (though the disposal of plastic remains a long term issue).

In the longer term, new technologies that make plastics and similar materials from biotic precursor chemicals should become affordable before the cost or supply of oil renders plastics impractical.

Answer 4

<why aren't we recycling plastic?>

We are......

Answer 5

If you look closely, some of the more conscience companies (usually found in health food stores) are using a "plastic" that is made from 100% corn, and are completely biodegradable.