Name two food packaging materials - Leaving Cert Home Economics - Question c - 2020

Impact of Plastic

• Non-biodegradable: Plastic does not decompose easily, leading to persistent pollution in the environment.
• Resource-intensive production: The creation of plastic involves significant energy usage and resource extraction, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.
• Landfill contribution: It often ends up in landfills, where it can take hundreds of years to break down, contributing to land waste.
• Harm to wildlife: Animals can ingest plastic or become entangled, leading to injury or death.

Impact of Paper

• Biodegradable: Paper can naturally decompose, reducing long-term environmental effects if disposed of properly.
• Recyclable: When recycled, paper reduces the need for virgin materials, thereby conserving resources and energy.
• Resource consumption: The production of paper requires trees, and deforestation can lead to habitat loss and increased carbon emissions.
• Littering: Improper disposal can lead to litter, which can be harmful to the environment and wildlife.