How to reduce and manage the end-of-life of plastics and find an alternative to plastics?

ABSTRACT EGU 2023

HOW TO REDUCE AND MANAGE THE END-OF-LIFE OF PLASTICS AND FIND AN ALTERNATIVE TO PLASTICS?

Raffaella Fatica (raffaella.fatica@liceomamiani.cloud)

Liceo statale "Terenzio Mamiani" (Rome, Italy)

HOW TO REDUCE AND MANAGE PLASTIC END-OF-LIFE AND FIND AN ALTERNATIVE TO PLASTIC?

This will be the incipit that will lead a 5th grade class, composed of 27 students, to acquire a series of knowledge related to plastic, the problem of pollution of the seas and oceans (objective 14 of the 2030 agenda) and the possibility of producing alternative and more sustainable materials such as bioplastics (objective 9 of the 2030 agenda). To develop this project, I intend to start with a series of questions that may arouse interest and curiosity in the students.

1st question: "Where does the need to find an alternative to plastics come from?"

We will start with plastic islands and analyse the degradation times of various types of materials, both plastic and others. This topic will conclude with a laboratory experiment that answers the question: "Can different plastics be recycled together?".

2nd question: "What is the chemical nature of plastics?"

This topic will include an introduction to the knowledge of polymers, starting with natural polymers such as carbohydrates, proteins and nucleic acids. We will focus on the proteins contained in milk. This topic will also conclude with a laboratory experience answering the question: "Is it possible to produce bioplastics?"

3rd question: "Are we sure that bioplastics, such as those derived from maize, are easier to dispose of than traditional plastics?"

Today, traditional plastics are joined by biodegradable and compostable plastics, but these are not necessarily easier to dispose of. To answer this question, we will start with the concepts of biodegradable and compostable and conclude with a laboratory experience that will show that even biodegradable plastics must be properly disposed of.

The process that will lead to the end-of-life of plastics will still be a long one, but if everyone becomes aware of the problem, perhaps it will be easier to achieve the goal.