Assessing the Carbon Footprint of Plastics: From Polymer Synthesis to Environmental Pollution
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Abstract
Throughout their existence, plastics, which are now omnipresent in contemporary life, have been a substantial contributor to the destruction of the environment and the release of carbon. This article aims to investigate the carbon footprint of plastics, beginning with their foundation in polymers derived from petrochemicals and ending with their disposal as pollutants. The manufacturing of plastics requires a significant amount of energy. It depends on fossil fuels, which emit significant amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. In addition, the environmental effect of plastics is further exacerbated by their lifespan, which includes shipping, consumption, and disposal of the material. This article highlights the urgent need for sustainable alternatives and better waste management techniques to offset plastic pollution's mounting environmental difficulties and carbon emissions.
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