Trash Vortex Chapter 2 Vocabulary

Front

What does vulcanized mean?

Back

Rubber that has been made stronger by heating it with sulfur.

Front

What is a plastiglomerate?

Back

A rock made of plastic and other materials like shells and sand.

Front

What are polymers?

Back

Very long chains of molecules that make up plastic and other materials.

Front

What is plastic?

Back

A synthetic material made from polymers, used in a wide variety of products.

Front

What is recycling?

Back

The process of converting waste materials into reusable materials.

Front

What is a landfill?

Back

A site for the disposal of waste materials by burial.

Front

What does biodegradable mean?

Back

Capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms.

Front

What is ocean pollution?

Back

The contamination of ocean waters by harmful substances.

Front

What is a microplastic?

Back

Tiny plastic particles less than 5mm in size, often resulting from the breakdown of larger plastic items.

Front

What is sustainability?

Back

Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.