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Thermocol disposables are being widely used in parties and restaurants. By promoting this practice ________.
we are reducing expenses; disposables are cheap to use
we are increasing non-biodegradable waste
we are increasing the hygiene concern in us
we are making the waste biodegradable
we are increasing non-biodegradable waste
Thermocol (expanded polystyrene) is a synthetic polymer derived from petroleum that does not degrade naturally through microbial action. When used widely for disposables in parties and restaurants, it accumulates in landfills and the environment, permanently contributing to global non-biodegradable waste pollution.
Thermocol (expanded polystyrene) is a synthetic polymer derived from petroleum that does not degrade naturally through microbial action. When used widely for disposables in parties and restaurants, it accumulates in landfills and the environment, permanently contributing to global non-biodegradable waste pollution.
Throwing away a thermocol plate is like burying a plastic toy in your backyard; no matter how many years pass, you will find it intact because nature's tiny recyclers (microorganisms) cannot digest plastic.
P-N-P: Polystyrene is Non-degradable Permanently.
тИТCH2тАЛтИТCH(C6тАЛH5тАЛ)тИТ тАФ Repeating monomer unit of Polystyrene (Thermocol)
Polystyrene is a long-chain hydrocarbon polymer made of repeating styrene units with strong carbon-carbon covalent bonds (тИТCH2тАЛтИТCH(C6тАЛH5тАЛ)тИТn). Because natural decomposers (bacteria and fungi) lack the specific enzymatic machinery required to cleave these robust hydrocarbon backbones, the material persists in the environment for hundreds of years without breaking down.
Thermocol is expanded polystyrene (EPS), a petroleum derivative.
It is completely non-biodegradable and resists microbial degradation.
Incineration of thermocol releases toxic gases like styrene and carbon monoxide.
Eco-friendly alternatives include leaf plates (patthall), bagasse, and clay cups (kulhads).
Lightweight, cheap, and provides excellent thermal insulation for hot food.
Causes severe land and water pollution due to accumulation.
Toxic chemicals can leach into hot food items.
Chokes drainage systems and harms wildlife if ingested.
Food packaging and disposable tableware in restaurants and parties
Thermal insulation in refrigeration and construction
Option A is incorrect because while cheap initially, the environmental cleanup cost far exceeds the monetary savings.
Option C is incorrect because hygiene is a functional property of single-use items, but the major ecological consequence highlighted in exams is waste accumulation.
Option D is incorrect because thermocol is synthetic and non-biodegradable, meaning it does not break down biologically.
B is correct тАФ we are increasing non-biodegradable waste
In competitive exams, remember that synthetic polymers (like polystyrene, PVC, and polyethylene) possess strong covalent carbon backbones that lack natural enzymatic cleavage sites, making them quintessential non-biodegradable pollutants.
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