What is Plastic?
Plastic is a type of polymer. Polymers are certain materials that have atoms that are bonded together in a link pattern. Atoms are the tiny building blocks of all elements. When atoms bond together, like in polymers, they form molecules! Plastic is made when the oil is refined or cleaned up. Then, the oil goes into a special machine that develops the polymer structure. Then, the thick mixture is melted and cooled. That makes the plastic hard. Then, the long strips of plastic are cut up into pellets. Those pellets are shipped off to manufacturers so that they can use them.
Why is Plastic Bad For the Environment?
Plastic is bad for the environment because plastic is made with oil. When the plastic is made, the factories release a gas called Carbon dioxide. That gas traps heat into Earth’s atmosphere and makes Climate Change worse. Also, if plastic is not properly recycled, it can end up in nature. Since plastic is made up of human-made polymers, the plastic takes a long time to decompose or break down naturally. That means that it can pollute the environment.