How Plastics Are Poisoning Us

The Best Eco-Friendly Alternatives for the Plastic in Your Life

https://www.stem.org.uk/resources/elibrary/resource/35961/plastic-challenge

https://www.recyclenow.com/how-to-recycle/recycling-symbols

Title: How Plastics Are Poisoning Us: Exploring Pollution and Sustainable Alternatives

Aim:
To educate children about the negative impacts of plastic pollution and empower them to take action by promoting recycling and finding alternative materials to reduce plastic waste.

Duration: 2 hours

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the environmental impact of plastic pollution.
2. Recognize the different types of plastics and their recycling capabilities.
3. Explore sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics.
4. Identify ways to reduce plastic waste in everyday life.
5. Evaluate the importance of recycling and responsible waste management.

Teaching Activities:

1. Introduction (10 minutes)

• Engage students with a short video on plastic pollution.
• Facilitate an open discussion about the impacts of plastic on the environment.
• Discuss the importance of finding sustainable alternatives.

1. Types of Plastics and Recycling (20 minutes)

• Present information on common plastic types (PET, HDPE, PP, LDPE, PVC, PS) and their recycling capabilities.
• Organize a group activity where students categorize plastic items according to their recycling symbols.
• Discuss why certain plastics cannot be recycled and the implications of improper disposal.

1. Sustainable Alternatives (30 minutes)

• Introduce various alternatives to single-use plastics, such as reusable water bottles, cloth bags, and bamboo toothbrushes.
• Collaborate on a class project to identify and research alternative materials that can replace plastic in different products.
• Encourage independent exploration of alternative options online.

1. Recycling and Waste Management (30 minutes)

• Discuss the importance of recycling and its connection to waste management.
• Explore local recycling initiatives and facilities through interactive online articles or videos.
• Present a case study of a successful recycling program to highlight its benefits and inspire students.

1. Action Plan and Reflection (20 minutes)

• Prompt students to create an action plan to reduce plastic waste in their daily lives.
• Provide time for group discussions and sharing of ideas.
• Reflect on the impact of the lesson and discuss how small changes can make a difference.

Assessment:
To assess student understanding, employ a summative assessment method, such as a short quiz or a project where students create posters or presentations on plastic pollution and sustainable alternatives. Focus on their ability to identify recyclable plastics and propose sustainable alternatives to reduce plastic waste.

Cross-curricular Connections:
Connect the topic to other areas of the curriculum through the following connections:

1. Science: Exploring the environmental effects of plastic pollution and the chemical composition of plastics.
2. Geography: Investigating local waste management practices and their impact on the environment.
3. English/Language Arts: Engaging with online articles or videos and developing persuasive writing skills to advocate for responsible waste management.

Field Trip/Outings:
While no specific local places or attractions related to the topic are suggested for a field trip, you can encourage students to visit nearby recycling centers or participate in community clean-up events to gain practical knowledge of waste management practices.

Resources:
Access to the internet will be necessary to support teaching and learning through online articles, videos, and interactive resources on plastic pollution, recycling processes, and Eco-friendly alternatives to plastics.

What food packaging is not plastic?

Examples of sustainable food packaging options are:

Paper bubble wrap alternative which can be recycled after use. Biodegradable air pillows made from recycled plastic. Hybrid meal delivery boxes. Containers made from recycled food waste transformed into paper-like substances.

What is a good alternative to plastic packaging?

• Bagasse + Bagasse is created as a by-product of sugarcane processing and can be adapted to fit a variety of packaging requirements, particularly for food delivery and transportation. …
• Palm leaves + …
• Silberboard paper + …
• Wood pulp cellophane + …
• Milk plastic + …
• Seed phytonutrients shower-friendly paper +

What are the safest food packaging materials?

Added to that, glass bottles and jars also help maintain a product’s original taste and freshness as it forms a great barrier against external air and moist. This makes them the number one choice of packaging to preserve foods. Besides the benefit of being 100 percent food-safe, glass furthermore is fully recyclable.