Common Core State Standard L.CCS.1/2/3/4 Grades 6-12: Video of a current news event is presented for discussion to encourage student participation, but also inspire the use of evidence to support logical claims using the main ideas of the video. Students must analyze background information provided about a current event, draw out the main ideas and key details, and review different opinions on the issue. Then, students should present their own claims using facts and analysis for support.
10/24/2022
Chemical recycling urged as a solution to plastic waste
The plastics industry says there is a way to help solve the crisis of plastic waste plaguing the planet’s oceans, lands and animals — recycle it, chemically. Chemical recycling typically uses heat or chemical solvents to break down plastics into liquid and produce basic chemicals, which can be turned into plastic pellets to make new products. But environmental groups say advanced recycling is a distraction from real solutions like producing and using less plastic. Some neighbors of the recycling operations also worry about air or water pollution.
■Class discussion: How much could these advanced recycling methods actually reduce the mountains of plastic we throw away? Could we get by without using so much plastic? Is there much you buy that doesn’t contain or come wrapped in plastic? Chemical recycling may cause pollution, but how much air and water pollution is caused by producing plastic in the first place? Plastic waste can break down into tiny particles of microplastic, which have spread worldwide into our water, air and food chain. Does this invisible pollution worry you?