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Polyethylene (plastic) can easily be recycled over and over again due to it's highly stable molecular structure. If polyethylene (as well as many other plastics) were recycled properly they would be excellent for the environment.

The issue really lies with the consumer and what they elect to do with the polyethylene products. Unfortunately paper is not nearly as bio-friendly as everyone would like to think. It's rate of use versus polyethylene is exponentially higher (i.e. 10x or more paper on an equal use basis). It's degradibility is very slow in landfills and it life-cycle is limited due to breakage of fibres. Further the production of paper involves many toxic chemicals.

There really is no silver bullet except for consumer responsibility. If this could be achieved then the hands down best environmentally friendly product is plastic.

Hard to believe, huh.

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15y ago

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