Consider the following:

I. Cigarette butts   

II. Eyeglass lenses   

III. Car tyres   

How many of them contain plastic?  

  • Only one  
  • Only two   
  • All the three   
  • None  

Answer: (c) All the three   

  • Cigarette filters are predominantly made from cellulose acetate, a man–made plastic derived from cellulose.
    • While it may resemble cotton, it’s actually a form of plastic that is slow to degrade. When discarded, these filters can leach toxic substances like nicotine and heavy metals into the environment, posing risks to wildlife and ecosystems
  • Modern eyeglass lenses are commonly crafted from plastic materials such as CR-39 (Columbia Resin #39) and polycarbonate. CR-39 is a lightweight plastic offering good optical clarity, while polycarbonate is known for its impact resistance and UV protection
  • Tyres contain both natural rubber and synthetic rubber, the latter being derived from plastic polymers like styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) and polybutadiene rubber.
    • These synthetic materials enhance durability, flexibility, and resistance to wear, making tyres a significant contributor to microplastic pollution over time.