PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) is everywhere. Not only is it strong, but also resistant to oil and chemicals, weathering and flame resistant. PVC is used in the manufacturing of bottles, bedding, clothing, packaging, toys, piping, wire coatings, imitation leather, just to name a few.
Environmentally speaking, PVC’s durability is its downfall as well. It’s neither biodegradable nor degradable. PVC will retain their form for decades. The breakdown of PVC is granulation, meaning that pieces simply get smaller. Animals ingest these pieces and the plastic can block and harm their digestive tracts. The manufacturing and incineration of PVC creates dioxin, which is the most deadly of all man-made poisons, a toxin that stays in the body for a long time. PVC poses more of a direct environmental and human health threat than any other plastic in its lifecycle, from manufacture, to use, to disposal. PVC is also difficult to recycle because of other additives such as lead and cadmium; which is also considered a contaminant in other recycling streams. Recycling of PVC is only 1%.
Disposable PVC Products
PVC plastic is used in many short-life, disposable products. Such items include: inflatable and children’s toys, cosmetic and food packaging, belts, bags, water bottles, some office equipment, and pens, are only a few.
Alternatives to PVC
New materials, without these health and environmental hazards of PVC, are now being produced. Degradable plastics are made to breakdown in landfill conditions within a few years without emitting toxic gases or other pollutants. At this time, these materials aren’t widely available and are quite expensive. However, there are more environmentally friendly materials still around. These are economical and widely available. Do-it-yourselfers to construction companies can track down alternatives to toxic PVCs.
Do your homework and check before you buy any plastic products. Ask the retailer for PVC-free products and look for other renewable alternative materials. Stay tuned for more up-to-date information on protecting our environment.
And remember, “Reuse, Reduce and Recycle!”