The Benefits of Recycling Plastics

The Benefits of Recycling Plastics One good reason to recycle plastic is that there is just so much of it. Plastics are used to manufacture an incredible number of products we use every day, such as beverage and food containers, trash bags and grocery bags, cups and utensils, childrens toys and diapers, and bottles for everything from mouthwash and shampoo to glass cleaner and dishwashing liquid. And thats not even counting all the plastic that goes into furniture, appliances, computers,  and automobiles. The Need Is Growing As the use of plastics has increased over the years, they have become a larger part of our nations municipal solid waste (MSW)- growing from less than 1 percent in 1960 to more than 13 percent in 2013, according to a report by the Environmental Protection Agency. As an example of how and why plastic waste is increasing, the International Bottled Water Association reports that the  U.S.  consumed 9.67 billion gallons of bottled water in 2012, compared to 9.1 billion gallons the year before. The United States is the worlds leading consumer of bottled water. A good first step in reducing waste is switching to a reusable water bottle. Natural Resources and Energy Conservation Recycling plastics reduces the amount of energy and resources (such as water, petroleum, natural gas, and coal) needed to create plastic. According to a 2009 study by researchers Peter Gleick and Heather Cooley  from the Pacific Institute of California, a pint-sized bottle of water requires about 2,000 times as much energy to produce as the same amount of tap water. Recycling Plastics Saves Landfill Space Recycling plastic products also keeps them out of landfills and allows the plastics to be reused in manufacturing new products. Recycling 1 ton of plastic saves 7.4 cubic yards of landfill space. And lets face it, a lot of plastic ends up directly in the environment, breaking down into tiny pieces, polluting our soil and water, and contributing to the oceans Great Garbage Patches. Its Relatively Easy Recycling plastics has never been easier. Today, 80 percent of Americans have easy access to a plastics recycling program, whether they participate in a municipal curbside program or live near a drop-off site. A universal numbering system for plastic types makes it even easier. According to the American Plastics Council, more than 1,800 U.S. businesses handle or reclaim postconsumer plastics. In addition, many grocery stores now serve as recycling collection sites for plastic bags and plastic wrap. Room for Improvement Overall, the level of plastics recycling is still relatively low. In 2012, only 6.7 percent of plastics in the municipal solid waste stream were recycled, according to the EPA. Alternatives to Plastic While recycling is important, one of the best ways to reduce the amount of plastic in our nations MSW is to find alternatives. For example, reusable grocery bags have seen a growth in popularity in recent years, and they are a great way to limit the amount of plastic that needs to be generated in the first place.

The Benefits of Recycling Plastics

The Benefits of Recycling Plastics One good reason to recycle plastic is that there is just so much of it. Plastics are used to manufacture an incredible number of products we use every day, such as beverage and food containers, trash bags and grocery bags, cups and utensils, childrens toys and diapers, and bottles for everything from mouthwash and shampoo to glass cleaner and dishwashing liquid. And thats not even counting all the plastic that goes into furniture, appliances, computers,  and automobiles. The Need Is Growing As the use of plastics has increased over the years, they have become a larger part of our nations municipal solid waste (MSW)- growing from less than 1 percent in 1960 to more than 13 percent in 2013, according to a report by the Environmental Protection Agency. As an example of how and why plastic waste is increasing, the International Bottled Water Association reports that the  U.S.  consumed 9.67 billion gallons of bottled water in 2012, compared to 9.1 billion gallons the year before. The United States is the worlds leading consumer of bottled water. A good first step in reducing waste is switching to a reusable water bottle. Natural Resources and Energy Conservation Recycling plastics reduces the amount of energy and resources (such as water, petroleum, natural gas, and coal) needed to create plastic. According to a 2009 study by researchers Peter Gleick and Heather Cooley  from the Pacific Institute of California, a pint-sized bottle of water requires about 2,000 times as much energy to produce as the same amount of tap water. Recycling Plastics Saves Landfill Space Recycling plastic products also keeps them out of landfills and allows the plastics to be reused in manufacturing new products. Recycling 1 ton of plastic saves 7.4 cubic yards of landfill space. And lets face it, a lot of plastic ends up directly in the environment, breaking down into tiny pieces, polluting our soil and water, and contributing to the oceans Great Garbage Patches. Its Relatively Easy Recycling plastics has never been easier. Today, 80 percent of Americans have easy access to a plastics recycling program, whether they participate in a municipal curbside program or live near a drop-off site. A universal numbering system for plastic types makes it even easier. According to the American Plastics Council, more than 1,800 U.S. businesses handle or reclaim postconsumer plastics. In addition, many grocery stores now serve as recycling collection sites for plastic bags and plastic wrap. Room for Improvement Overall, the level of plastics recycling is still relatively low. In 2012, only 6.7 percent of plastics in the municipal solid waste stream were recycled, according to the EPA. Alternatives to Plastic While recycling is important, one of the best ways to reduce the amount of plastic in our nations MSW is to find alternatives. For example, reusable grocery bags have seen a growth in popularity in recent years, and they are a great way to limit the amount of plastic that needs to be generated in the first place.

The Benefits of Recycling Plastics

The Benefits of Recycling Plastics One good reason to recycle plastic is that there is just so much of it. Plastics are used to manufacture an incredible number of products we use every day, such as beverage and food containers, trash bags and grocery bags, cups and utensils, childrens toys and diapers, and bottles for everything from mouthwash and shampoo to glass cleaner and dishwashing liquid. And thats not even counting all the plastic that goes into furniture, appliances, computers,  and automobiles. The Need Is Growing As the use of plastics has increased over the years, they have become a larger part of our nations municipal solid waste (MSW)- growing from less than 1 percent in 1960 to more than 13 percent in 2013, according to a report by the Environmental Protection Agency. As an example of how and why plastic waste is increasing, the International Bottled Water Association reports that the  U.S.  consumed 9.67 billion gallons of bottled water in 2012, compared to 9.1 billion gallons the year before. The United States is the worlds leading consumer of bottled water. A good first step in reducing waste is switching to a reusable water bottle. Natural Resources and Energy Conservation Recycling plastics reduces the amount of energy and resources (such as water, petroleum, natural gas, and coal) needed to create plastic. According to a 2009 study by researchers Peter Gleick and Heather Cooley  from the Pacific Institute of California, a pint-sized bottle of water requires about 2,000 times as much energy to produce as the same amount of tap water. Recycling Plastics Saves Landfill Space Recycling plastic products also keeps them out of landfills and allows the plastics to be reused in manufacturing new products. Recycling 1 ton of plastic saves 7.4 cubic yards of landfill space. And lets face it, a lot of plastic ends up directly in the environment, breaking down into tiny pieces, polluting our soil and water, and contributing to the oceans Great Garbage Patches. Its Relatively Easy Recycling plastics has never been easier. Today, 80 percent of Americans have easy access to a plastics recycling program, whether they participate in a municipal curbside program or live near a drop-off site. A universal numbering system for plastic types makes it even easier. According to the American Plastics Council, more than 1,800 U.S. businesses handle or reclaim postconsumer plastics. In addition, many grocery stores now serve as recycling collection sites for plastic bags and plastic wrap. Room for Improvement Overall, the level of plastics recycling is still relatively low. In 2012, only 6.7 percent of plastics in the municipal solid waste stream were recycled, according to the EPA. Alternatives to Plastic While recycling is important, one of the best ways to reduce the amount of plastic in our nations MSW is to find alternatives. For example, reusable grocery bags have seen a growth in popularity in recent years, and they are a great way to limit the amount of plastic that needs to be generated in the first place.

Banish bad writing to Room 101 - Emphasis

Banish bad writing to Room 101 Banish bad writing to Room 101 Good writing is powerful. Bad writing belongs in Room 101. George Orwell, creator of that fictional torture chamber where peoples worst nightmares reside, determined to rid the world of the terrible writing habits he believed threatened our mother tongue. The six rules he laid out have been guiding writers in all fields since he wrote them in 1946. Because, after all these years, Orwells advice is as relevant today as it was 65 years ago. 1. Never use a metaphor, simile or other figure of speech which you are used to seeing in print Metaphors and similes have the potential to evoke powerful mental images. But overused phrases such as axe to grind, selling like hot cakes or strike while the irons hot no longer have the power to conjure up anything other than a slight glazing over of the eyes. A fresh, unfamiliar juxtaposition of ideas can be just the late-afternoon espresso your reader needs to awaken your ideas in their head. Having said that, imagery is difficult to get right. And beware of overdoing it. If youre writing a business report, coming up with 12 never-before-seen metaphors per page may not be the best use of your time. Save them for your creative writing class. 2. Never use a long word where a short one will do On the grounds of rule one, Orwell probably wouldnt approve of the phrase less is more. However, its often true. Short words are powerful, direct and punchy. They are more likely to be instantly understood, which means your writing will have an immediate impact on your reader. Note that this rule doesnt put a complete ban on the use of long words it discourages using them for their own sake, as this can lead to opaque, pompous writing. But, for variety, the occasional Scrabble high-scorer is acceptable. 3. If it is possible to cut a word out, always cut it out Remove all padding from your writing. This means cutting every word that doesnt add to your meaning: this isnt school and youre no longer graded by the word. And get rid of waffle-magnets such as nominalisations. This hefty word means a noun thats created from a verb for example consideration (from the verb consider) or implementation (from implement, or even just do). Not only are these noun versions heavier than their lithe verb counterparts, they need extra words (eg, of and the) to make the sentence work. Little surprise that Nike didnt go with the slogan, Just complete the implementation of it. 4. Never use the passive where you can use the active The active voice is where you put the who of the sentence before their action just as you would if you were speaking. For example: The novel Nineteen Eighty-Four was written in 1949 by George Orwell is passive, but George Orwell wrote the novel Nineteen Eighty-Four in 1949 is active. The active voice is more direct, interesting and logical and it forces you to be specific about who does what (whereas with the passive, the who can be removed from the sentence). But do keep the passive in reserve for moments of necessary tact (ie, to a customer, The form was filled in incorrectly rather than You filled in the form incorrectly); and perhaps the odd shady cover-up (Yes, boss, the coffee machine has been broken). 5. Never use a foreign phrase, a scientific word or a jargon word if you can think of an everyday English equivalent Not so straightforward, this one, as it really depends on context. For corporate teams or expert readers, jargon is not only acceptable, it can also act like shorthand, helping to clarify your meaning. But knowing your audience is key. When you need to get technical information over to a more general readership, consider how youd explain your subject matter to a friend in a different industry, and youll find the right words to use. 6. Break any of these rules sooner than say anything barbarous A lazier writer than I am might say theres an exception to every rule. A straight-talker may just say, use your brain. Even Orwell admitted he was probably guilty of violating these rules again and again in the very essay he declared them. Still, the more you write with these sensible ground rules in mind, the better youll become at spotting the odd moments when you might do well to break one.

20th-CENTURY ART, MUSEUM PAPER Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

20th-CENTURY ART, MUSEUM PAPER - Essay Example Then the two works will be examined individually, seeking similarities and differences. Lastly, a summarizing conclusion will include this student’s impressions. Since the two paintings here were painted only three years apart, a look into the locations of their origin and influences is merited. The lives and works of both these artists changed when they gained new insights on the use of color: Matisse when he met John Peter Russell1, and Severini when he met Boccioni 2. Both lived and worked at a time when the world was making new relationships with scientific progress. Invention of new modes of transport kicked up speed; technology was increasing, and an industrial explosion made employment, and affordability of consumer items, available to all (or almost all). There was conflict in world politics that would soon lead to two world wars. Established traditions, and the depiction of nature and natural things, started to be replaced by a general interest in mechanization and synthetic substance3. Until then, art was sentimental and - with the exception of some expressionists’ work - largely representational: that is, it depicted persons, places, and things more or less as they were seen by a normal eye. With the advent of photography in the late 1800s, the need for pa inters to portray people, objects and places precisely was gone.4 In 1909, Futurism was introduced in Europe. It was a movement, started in Italy, that attacked the general fear of technology in everyday life. It had a written manifesto about an ‘exciting new world’ that could be represented in art.5 Severini was one of the first artists to sign the manifesto.6 He had an ear to the ground and felt what was coming. Matisse, on the other hand, was a friend of Picasso’s, an artist who greatly influenced modern art. They both moved in Parisian circles that questioned existing philosophy and established attitudes and beliefs: their art

REVIEW THIESIS Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

REVIEW THIESIS - Essay Example Additionally, the study also discusses past research findings pertaining to the connection between education and creativity, particularly on how it contributed to success in business education. Moreover, the study will discuss the role of creativity in real life situations and the challenges of incorporating creativity within education with special emphasis on the business sector (Fasko, 2001, p.321). The twenty-first century is an age of globalization, telecommunication and digitalization of various forms of technologies. Therefore, this rapidly changing world demands people to multi-task and have the relevant skills in order to adapt. People need to have the ability to be flexible and process information quickly and efficiently. To succeed in the twenty-first century workforce, it is important for an individual to have certain skills: for example, problems, solving, goal setting and creative thinking skills. According to Jeffrey and Woods (2003, p. 122), an education system can develop these skills by raising and encouraging creativity among students. Education can encourage flexibility, innovation and positive creative thinking among students. Unfortunately, the education system in most institutions also contributes to avoidance of creativity among students. Despite the importance of formal education in the lives of people, most educational systems are failing to recognize the importance of developing creativity among the students. As Shaheen and Robinson (2010) argue, the education system is limiting the extent to which students can discover their creative potential. This is because creativity is not the main objective of the learning and assessment process in education. Most educational systems put more emphasis on the importance of meeting the objectives and goals of the school program but fail to address the importance of creativity among the

Trinidad and Tobago: Carnivals

Trinidad and Tobago: Carnivals Carnival, The Pulse of Trinidad Tobago Draft Trinidad Tobago is a twin-island republic, located on the southern fringe of the Caribbean Sea, approximately six miles off the northeastern coast of Venezuela. The economy of this tiny republic (with an area of 1,979 square miles and a population of approximately 1.3 million) is acknowledged as the most prosperous and sophisticated, in the island states of the Caribbean region. It is largely based on oil and natural gas, which it mainly exports to North America.[1] The islands offer contrasting experiences, Trinidad hosts the commercial, financial and industrial activity of the nation; while Tobago is the Tourism destination of foreign visitors, with its sandy beaches, coral reefs, sport fishing, and all-inclusive hotels. The social experience is also a significant attraction. The widely diverse cultural components of the island nation, makes for interesting customs, foods, and activities. The resulting easy-going, laughter-filled nature of the average Trinidadian and Tobagonian, makes for a great host, and memorable experiences. This unique potpourri of peoples with their contrasting cultures, blended gradually into the personae known as a â€Å"Trini†, is annually rejuvenated in that cauldron of harmony, known as Trinidad Carnival. Trinidad Carnival developed as part of the Roman Catholic observance of Lent, which mandates the abstinence from meat and pleasure (carni flesh and vale to say good bye to). Its pre-Lenten activity culminates in two days of explosive masquerading, leading up to Ash Wednesday, but the actual festivities start with the parties, competitions and shows that begin right after the Christmas season is over. Of, course the creative activity that results in the vistas of sight and sound on Carnival Days usually start shortly after the end of the previous Carnival. Brilliant costumes by the thousands are created and assembled at Mas Camps throughout the island, as early as September. Hundreds of pannists religiously practice their musical arrangements at the various panyards, in preparation for the musical competitions. Songs specially created for the festival are performed nightly at the Calypso Tents and blared with monotonous regularity from the many radio-stations, who promote their favorites for the various Calypso, Soca and Chutney competitions. At the fetes (day time or night time), tourists will look on in amazement at the throngs of people effortlessly jumping in time with the beat of the runaway harmony of calypso or soca music played by the steelband, brass band, or the ubiquitous fete DJ. These parties are so infectious, that it impossible to be a spectator for long, and one by one, the non-participants fall prey to the music and energy, and shuffle or sway as best they can to the beat. These parties also present an opportunity to experience the aromas and tastes of many local dishes, generally, flavorful and spicy: corn soup, pelau, roti, doubles truly, finger-licking, delicious! The weekend before Ash Wednesday, hosts the finals of most of the major competitions of the Festival. On Saturday night, the Panorama competition final is the big event with remaining 16 bands competing for the highly coveted title of â€Å"Panorama Champion† and significant prize-money, in two categories large band and medium band. This event is the ultimate challenge, the moment for which all the participating pannists have so diligently practiced over the past several months. Emotions are so charged at the venue The Big Yard at The Queens Park Savannah from players and spectators alike, that the electrical energy could probably light up the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center. The musical harmony can be heard from afar, sweet and euphoric to the connoisseur. In the wee hours of Sunday morning, the judges scores produce emotional highs for the winners and their supporters, lows for the disappointed, and fuel for lively debate until the next Panorama. On Sunday night, all look forward to experiencing the breathtaking spectacle of sound and color of the grand finale of all Competitions â€Å"Dimanche Gras†, so named because all the major finals took place at this event (until the Panorama Final was relegated to Saturday because of the significant logistics involved). The crowning of; the Calypso Monarch, the National King and Queen of the Bands can be enjoyed live, at the Queens Park Savannah, for an entry fee amounting to the cost of a ticket to a Broadway Show, or in the home, for free on National Television. Before the break of dawn on Monday morning precisely at four a.m. the Street Parades are officially launched with the Jouvert celebrations. This phase signifies the opening of festivities and is characterized by the portrayal of characters and ‘mas forms intrinsic to the development of Trinidad Carnival. One popular portrayal is the commentary on social and political events, through the satirical use of placards, costume and pantomime once the essence of the early Carnival art form. Several Bands parade in costume, but the theme and content are subdued and remind of the somber costuming of Halloween. Much like the grey of dawn, before the beauty of tropical sunshine. Monday evening breaks the exhausted sleep of revelers, who are part of the Big Parade, for the prelude to the big day, Carnival Tuesday. All registered bands parade in the streets in all the towns of the twin island nation, but the major spectacle occurs on the streets of the capital, Port of Spain. Costumes are elaborately made with beads, plumes, brocades, sequins, lots of color and style. To participate in the parade (‘play mas), apart from purchasing a costume from the â€Å"Mas Camp† which can now be done from overseas via the Internet you must be physically fit; for the process of jumping and dancing on the asphalt, in 97 ° F + temperatures, is no picnic! As a result, from the month of December, gyms and parks are invaded by intended masqueraders, sweating and jiggling, in the hope of miraculously looking like Brad Pitt, Barry Bonds or Halle Berry in their precious little costumes. On these Parade days, the crowds on the streets would rival those of New O rleans Mardi Gras. There are specific parade routes for the bands to use in order to access the three main judging venues in the capital city. The most popular venue with spectators and masqueraders alike, the Queens Park Savannah, is the place to be when the color and glitter of the sea of swaying costumes are caught in the splendor of the setting sun! The magic of Carnival is not just in the audio-visual spectacle, but for the islanders, it is a time when the soul of the Trinidadian regenerates itself, while achieving the goal of the religious of observance of Lent. The nation experiences lower crime rates, while social and class differences are set aside. It is as though the soul of the Trinidadian recognizes that the time has come for the annual leveling of the human playing field, which is necessary for peoples of a diverse ethnic heritage, to coexist in harmony and to foster the cross-fertilization of cultures, critical to the identity of a unique Trinidadian. At this time, the superficial world of commerce is placed on the back burner. Carnival is a time to enjoy the art, music, friendships, and simply to relax. So significant an event is Carnival to the Trinidadian, that those, who found it difficult to return to the motherland every year to be part of the renewal, have began to introduce the process to their adopted countries and cities: New York, Boston, Miami, Toronto and Notting Hill (England). However, as any Trini will own, it is not the same. Carnival in Trinidad Tobago, once truly experienced cannot be forgotten, and the attraction to return is difficult to resist. Source Out of an annual US import of 631 million cu ft of LNG, 439 million cu ft originated in Trinidad Tobago Energy Information Administration; US Natural Gas Imports by Country (Annual)