Hydrosphere and Ocean Plastic Pollution FLASHCARDS

Front

What happens to plastic waste?

Back

It never fully goes away, it just breaks into little pieces

Answer explanation

Plastic waste does not biodegrade like organic materials. Instead, it breaks down into smaller pieces, known as microplastics, which persist in the environment indefinitely, making the correct choice "It never fully goes away, it just breaks into little pieces."

Front

Where does the majority of plastic waste end up?

Back

Oceans

Answer explanation

The majority of plastic waste ends up in the oceans due to improper disposal and lack of effective waste management systems. This leads to significant environmental issues, making it a critical area of concern.

Front

There are many alternatives to single use plastic products.

Back

True

Answer explanation

True. There are numerous alternatives to single-use plastic products, such as reusable bags, metal straws, and glass containers, which help reduce plastic waste and promote sustainability.

Front

What percent of its plastic does the US recycle?

Back

9%

Answer explanation

The US recycles only 9% of its plastic waste, which is significantly lower than many might expect. This highlights the challenges in plastic recycling and the need for improved waste management practices.

Front

What are plastics made of?

Back

Petroleum (oil) and Natural Gas

Answer explanation

Plastics are primarily made from petroleum (oil) and natural gas, which are processed to create polymers. Coal and limestone are not used in the production of plastics.

Front

Which of these countries have NOT made national plastic bag regulations? Kenya, USA, Rwanda, China

Back

USA

Answer explanation

The USA has not implemented national plastic bag regulations, unlike Kenya, Rwanda, and China, which have all enacted laws to limit or ban plastic bags.

Front

On average, how long is a plastic bag used by a person before being thrown away?

Back

12 minutes

Answer explanation

On average, a plastic bag is used for only 12 minutes before being discarded. This highlights the short lifespan of plastic bags in daily use, making 12 minutes the correct answer.

Front

By which year will there be more plastic than fish in the ocean?

Back

2050

Answer explanation

The prediction that there will be more plastic than fish in the ocean is projected for the year 2050, based on current trends in plastic pollution and fish populations. Thus, 2050 is the correct answer.

Front

How much water does it take to produce one bottle of water?

Back

3 bottles of water

Answer explanation

Producing one bottle of water requires about three times that amount in water due to the water used in the manufacturing process, including the plastic production and bottling. Thus, the correct answer is 3 bottles of water.

Front

Of the five known ocean garbage patches which is the largest?

Back

The Pacific Garbage Patch

Answer explanation

The Pacific Garbage Patch is the largest of the five known ocean garbage patches, significantly surpassing the size of the Indian Ocean, North Atlantic, and Mediterranean patches due to ocean currents that trap debris.