Assignment 2 – The Life Cycle of a Plastic Bottle

After watching the 4-minute video, answer the following questions. Make sure to use your own words and check for proper spelling and grammar. Use as much space as you like.

Video link:

Questions:

1. Explain all the steps (from the beginning molecules to the finished product) of how plastic bottles are manufactured. (2 points)

2. Explain the fate of Bottle 1. How many years does the video say it takes for Bottle 1 to decompose? Eventually, Bottle 2 may break apart to become smaller and smaller pieces called______________. So how long does it really take for plastics to decompose? Explain. (2 points)

3. Explain what leachate is and why we should be concerned about it. (3 points)

4. What is the Great Garbage Patch and explain in detail how Bottle 2 ends up there. (3 points)

5. Fully explain how Bottle 2 is connected to the death of marine animals and marine birds? (2 points)

6. Fully explain how humans can get plastic in their diet. (2 points)

7. Describe the different journey of Bottle 3. Provide at least 3 examples of its ultimate fate. (1 point)