1. How does the chemical composition and structure of a substance determine its properties with regard to its use, capacity for reuse, and capacity for recycling? To my knowledge, the chemical composition and structure of a substance determines its “fate” for use, reuse, and recycling depends on its molecular bond. I learned that different types of plastics take longer to decompose than others because the bond of the molecules that make up the subject are stronger. The way plastic decomposes is by being hit by UV rays, which cause the plastic to decompose and break down. This will take longer, as I stated, depending on the plastic and its molecular bond. I think this affects the reuse of some materials, because if they can break easier or are pretty weak it could be hard to reuse them. For example, it is easy to reuse Ziploc bags because they are pretty durable and can be washed easily. It might be harder to reuse plastic wrap because it is easy to tear and it sticks to itself more easily than some other plastics do.
2. How do the choices we make as consumers (purchasing, use, reuse, recycling, and discarding of materials) impact our local community and environment, and the global community and environment? The choices we make about what we buy, use, recycle, etc. are very important here in Durango. As a small town, we have to consider small businesses as well, to help the community, and some of those objects are recycled. If we started buying more recycled things as a community, it would probably help improve the air, the community, and the environment we are in. Recycling more would also help our community because since we have the Animas River flowing all the way through town, trash can easily get into the water and pollute it. This can harm and even kill many animals, both in the water and on land, and pollute some of the water people downstream from us drink. Recycling can help tons of communities that also have rivers. It can help improve our environment, as well as many others, and I believe it is a change we should start making more prominent inorder to pollute the grounds, rivers, and ecosystems less.
3. What else did you learn through this project? Lucy and Sage informed me that Patagonia makes recycled things. I think that’s pretty amazing, and could possibly be revolutionary. A lot of people buy so many different things from Patagonia and they are a thriving business, so other companies and businesses are probably going to be influenced by what they are doing, and follow. I think that this is definitely a step in the right direction and could have a very positive influence on other companies and people.