Oil does not just fuel our cars or heat our homes. Petroleum based products are responsible for most plastic, rubber, and synthetic fibers around the world. Sneakers, candle wax, detergents, plant fertilizers, dyes, and even food additives all contain petroleum. Laptops, Energy Star TVs, iPods, and digital cameras are all made with petrochemicals. Most, if not all, of these products cannot biodegrade. Just as oil is oozing into the coastal waters of the Gulf of Mexico, Americans have allowed oil to permeate into every aspect of our lives.
It is true oil allowed for creation of products and services that advanced our civilization into the modern age. However innovation has propelled our technology past the reliance on fossil fuels. Energy independence and stabilizing our domestic economy can be accomplished without coal and oil. The latest tragedy of our oil addiction threatens tourism for the whole Gulf of Mexico, the depletion of 1/3 of the United States seafood, and the killing over 400 animals species.
Is it possible to live a life without plastics and gasoline?
-Joe Magee
Loading ...
Plastic made from corn starch is a responsible and sustainable replacement for petroleum base plastic. Biodegrdable, compostable, leaves no toxic residues. Follow Greenpenworld on Twitter.