Cynthia UR Surrounded

There are 11 pieces of plastic in this picture 6 opaque and 5 lavender

Some reading is required to qualify this new survey; terminology a plus, so that communication will be in the same language.  It’s more important than one might think, considering I was about to post some things here and need to amend some terms so they will translate correctly later to others making the same effort.  I will use the term trash, and of this I will concern myself with certain elements within. 

Man-made synthetics (ie) polymers (plastics) including nylon, and foams, polystyrene and polyurethane; and cigarette butts.

The bigger view detects orange and blue

I made a list of common polymers that will be found on our shores. In a complete list thousands would exist. Combinations from any of these are created all the time, and many are being tested as we speak. (This list is missing the large family of Teflon.)  I will not be testing for what type I have found, but this should give you an awareness to the source contaminants we are adding to the biology of this planet.

#1 PETE or PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) usually clear/ water and soda

#2 HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) Plastic typically opaque

#3  V or PVC (Vinyl) Plastic #3 is used to make food wrap, plumbing pipes,

and detergent bottles. Composition may still include phthalates, which are linked to ranging health issues; developmental problems to miscarriages.

Site 2 Day 2 Small Plastics 

#4 Low density polyethylene (LDPE) generally thinner more flexible. Nylon rope (LDPE chain branching). 

Can leach the endocrine disruptor nonylphenol (added to LDPE as a stabilizer), especially when exposed to sunlight.

#5    Polypropylene (PP) Polypropylene is a thermoplastic polymer. Mixed in many colors; used for food containers (ketchup, yogurt, cottage cheese, margarine, syrup, take-out), medicine containers, straws, bottle caps, Britta filters, Rubbermaid and other opaque plastic containers, including baby bottles.

#6    Polystyrene (PS) egg cartons, disposable cups and bowls, take-out food containers, packing peanuts, bike helmets.

Harder clear/opaque PS: disposable cutlery & razors, compact disc & dvd cases. Animal studies have shown adverse effects on genes, lungs, liver, and the immune system. 

#7 or #0   Polycarbonate (PC) is an extremely common plastic in this category and is often associated with this category. 

Keep in mind that polycarbonate is not the only plastic in this category and if a product has a number 7 on it without the letters PC under it, the product could be made of polycarbonate or it could other plastic.

Mama Mundo Inc. (2015). Life without plastic. Common plastics #1 to #7 Retrieved from https://www.lifewithoutplastic.com/store/common_plastics_no_1_to_no_7#.Wt0KKojwbIW

Box, Carolynn, of Five Gyres. (2017). Tracking California’s Trash Project

Testing Trash “Flux” Monitoring Methods  in Flowing Water Bodies. For BASMAA. Retrieved from https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5522e85be4b0b65a7c78ac96/t/58dd932f414fb5663b5a4f79/1490916184178/TCT+Creek+Monitoring+Report_FINAL.pdf