Synthetic materials tend to be extremely
durable and long-lived. This is an advantage when we are using
them, but a problem when we want to get rid of them. What are
chemists doing to reduce the problem? Investigate the development
of biodegradable plastics.
Plastics:
Biodegradable
Plastics, University of Waterloo
For the teacher: This is a slide show that touches on many
aspects of biodegradable plastics.
Post
Consumer Page — Abstracts, Natural Resources Canada
For the teacher: This site contains short descriptions
of the latest developments in biodegradable plastics.
Waste,
Home & Family Guide, The Harmony Foundation of Canada.
For the teacher: This site looks at plastics, recycling,
biodegradable plastics, etc. from an environmental point of view.
Other materials, natural vs. synthetic:
The
Facts: Cloth Versus "Disposable" Diapers, The Canadian Cloth Diaper
Association
For the teacher: This site covers all aspects of this issue.
The
Benefits of Agricultural Biotechnology,
Ag-West Biotech Inc., Saskatchewan
For the teacher: This site explores biotechnology as it
relates to food production, as well as the benefits of biotechnology
for environmental protection and for agriculture.
Backgrounder
— Food Biotechnology, International Food Information Council
For the teacher: The advantages of developing plants through
biotechnology is discussed with reference to genetically modified
plants.
The
Future of Paper, Canadian Pulp and Paper Association
For the teacher: The Canadian Pulp and Paper Association
presents material on the future of paper, how it is produced with
less environmental affects, what alternative fibres are being
used to make paper, etc.
Waste
Paper Recycling in Canada, Environment Canada
For the teacher: This site describes how recycling helps
conserve forests.
Natural
vs. Synthetic Vitamins: How They Are Different and How to Tell
Them Apart, Nutriteam Inc.
For the teacher: This site defines what's natural, how
to read labels on vitamin bottles, etc.
Wood-based
Composite Building Materials, RIC Good Wood Project and Good Wood
Advisory Centre
For the teacher: This site describes various "synthetic"
building materials.
Organic
Farming in Ontario, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and
Rural Affairs
For the teacher: Defines organic and describes organic
farming in general.
Organic
Production vs. Conventional Cropping: Some points to consider,
Manitoba Agriculture and Food
For the teacher: This fact sheet presents the differences
between organic and non-organic farming methods in relation to
fertilizers.
Why
Organic, Organic Plant Care
For the teacher: This site describes the difference between chemical
and organic fertilizers, and the environmental problems using
chemical/synthetic fertilizers. |
