Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Ecology Foundation
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
PET Bottles: From One Minute to Hundreds of Years. Why is Recycling So Important?
Polyethylene terephthalate, or simply PET, has become an integral part of our lives. Around 500 billion PET bottles are produced worldwide annually. That's approximately 1 million bottles per minute. The convenience of this material is undeniable, but it conceals a serious environmental problem that only we can solve.
Why is this important?
The lifespan of a single-use PET bottle is a matter of minutes. And it takes hundreds of years to decompose in a landfill. Moreover, PET doesn't just take up space; it pollutes soil and water bodies, breaking down into microplastics that end up in the bodies of animals and, ultimately, in us.
But there's good news: PET is a valuable secondary raw material. It's highly recyclable. Manufacturing new products from recycled PET requires 79% less energy and reduces carbon emissions by up to 70% compared to creating plastic from scratch using petroleum.
Recycled plastic is used to produce:
New bottles. From 10 conventional bottles, you can make 7 new ones.
· Synthetic padding: 25 flattened bottles are enough for one jacket.
· Packaging materials.
· Construction materials
· Automotive parts.
Despite the potential, global recycling rates for PET packaging remain poor. Globally, only about 30% of all PET bottles produced are recycled. This means the vast majority end up in landfills and the environment.
However, the situation is better in some countries. For example, in the European Union, the collection and recycling rate for PET bottles reaches 60-65%, and in leading countries such as Germany and Norway, this figure exceeds 95%. This proves that an effective system is possible.
Proper Recycling: 4 Easy Steps
To give a bottle a second life, it needs to be prepared properly.
1. Rinse. Liquid residue, especially sweet ones, attracts insects and creates an unpleasant odor. A clean bottle makes recycling easier.
2. Remove the label. It's often made of a different type of plastic that interferes with PET recycling.
3. Flatten it. By reducing the bottle's volume, you'll save space. This means less frequent trash collection and better fuel economy.
4. Place in a plastic or recycling bin.
What should not be done?
Don't throw bottles in the general trash. They're useless and harmful in landfills.
· Do not place heavily soiled containers in the plastic container.
Every properly recycled PET bottle isn't just trash, but a step toward a cleaner future. Start with just one bottle, and the world will become a little cleaner.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.