Plastic

There are major differences between seriously researching a subject by “Googling it” and from visiting Wikipedia and other trusted information sites.

Google is like going to a newspaper or magazine, where you’ll find advertisements, dictionary entries, pressure groups, Individual opinions, … “who knows from what source”. Most sources have an agenda, usually political or involving money. Not a good source for reliable knowledge. Good for many things – not knowledge acquisition!

Wikipedia is like going to a library or an encyclopedia. There will be various points of view, moderated by a team of dedicated practitioners, sorting out the biased or misinformation. While it is true that anyone can create or alter any entry. The monitoring team is provided with an is/was record for all changes; allowing for filtering and confirmation. You possess a much higher confidence, that the information is accurate and unbiased. Individual vigilance continues to be required, but much less than using a commercial source. Wikipedia is one of the better source for reliable knowledge. With that said …

Here is a sample Google response for a request for information about “plastic”:

Note the entries on the first page:

undo.org – anti tobacco/microplastics – Calif. Dept. of Public Health

TAP Plastics – wholesale sheets – commercial entry

Marian-Webster – dictionary

Wikipedia – encyclopedia

Here, in contrast, is a sample of the Wikipedia response to an inquire for information about “plastic”:

Note: the organized table of content on the left, where you can jump to a subcategory of interest without having to manually search. Wikipedia provides links within the article, to sources for further explanations of explanations; accessible with a click. A citation of sources and suggestions for further related research is provided at the bottom. Add to that Infographics, videos, demonstrations, …

There is absolutely no comparison between the two. The stated purpose of each is clearly evident. Wikipedia is an educational tool. Google is a commercial tool.

For Example: On wikipedia you find that:

China is the source of most raw material plastic.

There are numerous types of plastic with widely varying properties.

Only 9% is truly recycled.

There are numerous additives for customizing applications.

Additives hamper dramatically the recycling efforts.

Micro-plastics, like those used in cosmetics are found throughout our bodies.

Environmental impacts include – marine life – ozone impact – toxicity concerns

… and much more

Here is a group of links that I used in researching plastic:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plastic

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plastic_recycling

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plastic_pollution

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disposable_product

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Converter_(industry)

https://www.doi.gov/reducing-single-use-plastic-pollution#:~:text=Single-use plastic products include,be used once and discarded.

In an attempt to reduce my contribution to the waste plastic problems, I have made several behavior changes:

Years ago I started collecting canvas bags. Yard sales are a good source of promotional give-aways, and such. I keep a collection of various insulation bags, as well as container bags in the trunk of my car. Initially, I forgot to take them into the store. I’m getting better.

I subscribe to, and support an organization called “iFixIt”. They believe that fixing is far more noble than recycling. The industry manufacturers have diverted and perverted, recycling into a commercial con, giving the public permission for over consumption. iFizIt influences legislation to forbid manufacturers for restricting fixing and increasing trashing.

https://www.ifixit.com

I am accumulating “mason jar” accessories to encourage a return to the multi use containers. I am actively seeking retail grocery business that sell in bulk. Bulk edibles may present a problem of contamination, but many products, like cleaning products, could easily be sold by filling my container.

https://www.ikea.com/us/en/cat/jars-tins-15950

A personal excess is the consumption of flavored drinks. I love CocaCola. Some soda manufacturers restrict the availability of syrups or powder mixes for home use. CocaCola only provides syrup in large quantities, appropriate for wholesale applications. With a little effort, searching Amazon, I found powders for most of the popular drinks. Search for “powdered soft drink mixes”. You’ll be amazed!

The powders can be mixed with tap water, similar to cool-aid, requiring no additional ingredients. If carbonation is desired, several alternatives exist. SodaStream provides a device designed for frequent heavy use, while CO2 small cartridge devices are also available.

My reduced stress on the environment is enormous!

The number of single use liquid containers that I will not be using is staggering.

Transportation impacts of tiny packets of powder compared to the liquid soda is tremendous.

The use of my own water removes the conflicts of limited water resource and legal water rights.

My refrigerator capacity used is amazing, only one container of water replaces numerous 2-liter bottles.

Health wise, I have a lot more control of the contents of my drink, the purity of the water, the storage and contamination.

In the process of making my own drinks, I find that tap water with slices of lemon may become my favorite mix. Especially since we have a lemon tree in the backyard. Think Local!

Here is a collection of links related to my quest:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soft_drink

Click to access SoftDrinkIndustryMarketing_11.pdf

https://usatruckloadshipping.com/shipping-soda-by-the-truckload

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SodaStream

https://www.amixon.com/en/blog/instant-beverage-powder-mixed-homogeneously

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drink_mix

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_export

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diamagnetism

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_resources

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_conflict