The Many Uses of Plastics

Most modern plastics are based on organic chemicals that offer manufacturers a huge range of physical properties that is still growing. There was a time when anything made of plastic was considered to be of inferior quality, but those days are past. You are probably wearing plastic right now, maybe a polyester/cotton mix garment or even glasses or a watch with plastic components. The versatility of plastic materials comes from the ability to mold, laminate or shape them and to tailor them physically and chemically. There is a plastic suitable for almost any application. Plastics dont corrode, though they can degrade in UV, a component of sunlight, and can be affected by solvents. PVC plastic, for example, is soluble in acetone. Plastics in the Home There is a huge percentage of plastic in your television, your sound system, your cell phone, and your vacuum cleaner and probably plastic foam in your furniture. What are you walking on? Unless your floor covering is real wood, it probably has a synthetic/natural fiber blend like some of the clothes you wear. Take a look in the kitchen and you might see a plastic chair or bar stool seats, plastic countertops (acrylic composites), plastic linings (PTFE) in your nonstick cooking pans, and plastic plumbing in your water system. Now open your refrigerator. The food might be wrapped in PVC cling film, your yogurt is probably in plastic tubs, cheese in plastic wrap, and water and milk in blow-molded plastic containers. There are plastics now that prevent gas from escaping pressurized soda bottles, but cans and glass are still No. 1 for beer. (For some reason, guys dont like to drink beer from plastic.) When it comes to canned beer, though, you will find that the inside of the can is often lined with a plastic polymer. Plastics in Transport Trains, planes, and automobiles, even ships, satellites, and space stations, use plastics extensively. We used to build ships from wood and planes from string (hemp) and canvas (cotton/flax). We had to work with the materials that nature provided, but no more—we now design our own materials. Whatever mode of transport you pick, youll find plastic used extensively in: SeatingPanelingInstrument enclosuresSurface coverings Plastics are even combined with other materials as structural elements in all kinds of transport, even skateboards, rollerblades, and bicycles. Challenges for the Plastics Industry Its clear that modern life would be very different without plastics. However, challenges lie ahead. Because many plastics are so durable and dont corrode, they create considerable disposal problems. They arent good for the landfill, as many will persist for hundreds of years; when theyre incinerated, dangerous gases can be produced. Many supermarkets now give us one-use grocery bags; leave them in a cupboard long enough and all you will have left is dust because they are engineered to degrade. Perversely, some plastics can be cured (hardened) by UV, which shows how varied their formulas are. Additionally, because many plastics are based ultimately on crude oil, there is a continuous rise in the cost of raw materials that chemical engineers are trying to workaround. We now have biofuel for automobiles, and the feedstock for that fuel grows on the land. As this production increases, sustainable feedstock for the plastic industry will become more widely available. We are getting wiser, and now many plastics can be chemically, mechanically, or thermally recycled. We still must solve the disposal issue, which is being actively addressed through materials research, recycling policies, and enhanced public awareness.

Congressional Oversight in American Politics Essay

Stemming from a loose interpretation of the Constitution – and specifically the necessary and proper clause -- congressional oversight is one of many enumerated powers bestowed upon Congress per Article 1, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution. As the legislative body, Congress is charged with overseeing the inner workings of the Executive Branch and its federal agencies as a part of a system of checks and balances. However, as previously mentioned, this power is one of the implied powers of Congress, thus making it very difficult for many to delineate rightful oversight from reckless meandering. In the Constitution, for example, there is no singular mention of a definitive power such as â€Å"congressional oversight.† Consequently, there is no†¦show more content†¦That same year, Congress would tap into its oversight powers once again as it launched a full-fledged investigation against Nixon and top White House officials who used their political positions for pol itical advantage in the Watergate scandal. Citing â€Å"executive privilege,† Nixon asserted that he, as president, was immune from legislative oversight and that the inherent power of the President to safeguard the security of the nation authorized him to order wiretaps without warrants. This is not the only way that the legislative body exerts their oversight powers over the executive body, however. In fact, there is a host of other means for ensuring that the decisions of the nation’s executive branch leaders are checked. For example, the Congress (the Senate specifically) is charged with advising and offering consent for presidential nominations. Congress is also given the power to bring charges against members of the executive branch and possibly remove them through impeachment proceedings in the House of Representatives and trials in the Senate. The annual State of the Union Address can even be considered a medium through which the Senate exercises its oversight powers. As dictated by Article II, Section 3 of the Constitution, the president â€Å"shall from time to time give to Congress information of the State of the Union and recommend to their Consideration suchShow MoreRelatedAnalysis of Defense Intelligence Agency999 Words   |  4 Pagesstrategic surprises and delivers a decision advantage to warfighters, defense planners, and to policymakers. 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Archilbald Cox stated the Watergate experience is the convincing evidence#8230; of the ability of the American people to come together in times when abuses of political power appear and threaten our political system. The people were not willing to accept without question the proclamations of presidential press secretaries. In the process, the peoples self-imageRead MoreEssay on Relevancy of the Voting Rights Act in Modern Times1730 Words   |  7 PagesRatified in 1868, the fourteenth amendment guarantees equal protection of all persons under the law. In the 1960’s though, African Americans were still being discriminated against because of the color of their skin. After the broa dcast of 600 peaceful African Americans being attacked and beaten after attempting to cross the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, President Lynden Johnson decided it was time to create some legislation to prevent incidences such as this from happening in the futureRead MoreU.s. Government Accountability Office1578 Words   |  7 Pagesdollars. The mission statement of the GAO reads â€Å"Our mission is to support the Congress in meeting its constitutional responsibilities and to help improve the performance and ensure the accountability of the federal government for the benefit of the American people. We provide Congress with timely information that is objective, fact-based, non partisan, non ideological, fair, and balanced† (GAO 2014). 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Why Should People Travel Free Essays

Why should people travel? This Is the story of a woman, who traveled the world to find that the best place Is home. However, the Journeys took her across continents over Saracens. This story began when a little girl was sitting on her porch watching the pedestrians fleeting by. We will write a custom essay sample on Why Should People Travel or any similar topic only for you Order Now When suddenly a huge noise jolted her out of her day dreaming, and all she saw was a metal bird flying overheard. The noise made her shudder and she ran into the house screaming for her Dad. Running into his arms, with no words to express she stood holding on to his legs, While her dad was trying to question her about her Irrational fear. With sputtering words, she explained how a huge metal bird had flown over the house and the noise thundered the foundations of the house. Her dad let out a loud laughter noticing the innocence of his daughter. But it was actually just one of the airplanes from the nearby Air Force base conducting its drill. So he lifted her up in her arms, took her to the porch and pointed out to the airplane in the distance as it faded into the blue sky leaving a trail of white clouds. That was my first experience that initiated my need to fly and watch the world from up above. As I grew elder, the need to have a closer look at the world Imbibed In me a curiosity to travel. The world is a beautiful place, when looking at it with an unbiased view because one gets to see it in a pure way. One that has not been tainted with blood, pain and violent that once seen cannot be unseen. Here is what we have known over the ages, the world is made up of seven continents divided by Saracens. Every continent has its own set of cultures, traditions, nature, people and countries. Over the course of this essay, I am going to explain my perspective on world travel, while mentioning the tatty of countries that I had the opportunity to tread on. My first experience of traveling was when I was 9 years old. I went on a trip with my parent’s to Malaysia. A country known for its tropical forests and its beautiful cities, it had always been the destination to visit. My experiences in Malaysia, though a little fudged in memory, have certain portions that cannot be erased. One of the most fascinating aspects was the culture of the people. It was a mixture of Influences by Muslim and Buddhist religions. It had colorful people on the streets, girls with flowers In their hair and askers In the streets selling their wares. The trip also Included a travel to Singapore. I was fascinated by the buildings and the zoological gardens that adorned the small city of Singapore. My perspective on this trip changed entirely about the people of South East Asia. Their kindness is something I got to experience on this trip. All through my teens I had the opportunity to visit the US a couple of times. Although I had lived In the US, this was a visit that would remind me about the beauty of Florida. I got to enjoy an enthralling experience, In the parks of Disney and universal Studios. My visit to the Sea World will remind me Shams the killer whale, this gave me awareness into the world inside the ocean, a subject that has fascinated me to this day. This trip showed me that a person can enjoy life even if one has to go to work every day. When I landed in Los Angels, the first thing I saw was the HOLLYWOOD sign. One that has been etched In my memory, the sign exudes movie royalty and puts a sparkle In my eye. The best part was the shopping In malls the size the lights and nice. The Sin City has the most fabulous energy that even though a person who don not gamble or drink will love. The next trip was a travel to the Middle East countries of Jordan, Syria, Lebanon and Egypt. Apart from the usual beauty of the land, the streets were littered with coffee and hookah shops. The shops were overcrowded with people every evening, gossiping about the day and laughter just filled the air. The people were hospitable which showed me the necessity of people in my life. The next trip I went to was Europe. It was a fascinating continent with historical buildings and beautiful rivers. I had the opportunity to visit the countries of France, Switzerland and Italy. The trip involved us getting in from one country to another, traveling on the train. The breathtaking scenery and the throngs of people in historical places were overwhelming. The people were perfectly dressed, while following to certain unwritten codes, which showed the value of discipline. Now that I am back in the US, I have learned to appreciate the beauty and character of people from different countries. Over the past year, I had the opportunity to travel through almost most of the states. The visit helped me to see the vast length and breadth of this country and its beauty. It is people who are made of a mixture of people from different cultures. No specific group can claim this country to be theirs, because the diversity of the people is what makes the country. One of the most important factors that travel is necessary is because it opens one’s eyes to the beautiful world. As a student, I had the opportunity to meet a lot of Americans, who because of their nonexistent travel had no idea about the countries of the world. This ignorance caused them to Judge people from other countries, and basing their opinion on news articles or television programs. I wondered how people did not know the culture and the location of Saudi Arabia. In most people minds, Saudi Arabia is a desert somewhere in the middle of the world, where people rode on camels sleep in tents, and had oil. Another factor about travel is, we live in cloistered communities and do not understand other communities that are based on centuries long traditions. This makes our mind narrow and does not give us a positive opinion about other people. Although the world has become a smaller place due to the advent of internet, the world is still a much better place in reality. How to cite Why Should People Travel, Essays

The House of Commons free essay sample

The House of Commons BY 7dart7 The main roles of the House of Commons The House of Commons is part of the legislature. At a quick glance it might be assumed that passing laws is the Commons main function. Most of the debates and arguments in the House of Commons are over legislation, proposed or already passed. Nearly all legislative proposals are formed by the Executive. The House does not normally overturn governmental proposals, therefore the government majority normally see its programme through, nine times out often it will be intact. Public bills change the general law of the land, these type of bill concern the whole community. Other types of bills include; Private Members bills (introduced by MPS) and Private Members Bills (by members of the Upper House). Private bills only affect a small part of the community as they are promoted by organisations outside the house. They should not be confused with private members bills which are a type of public bill. We will write a custom essay sample on The House of Commons or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The procedure for private bills differs from that for public bills. A bill must pass through several stages in both chambers before becoming a law. These stages are; first reading, second reading, committee stage, report stage and the third stage. Once the bill has passed through both chambers it is returned to the one in which it starts, in most cases this will be the House of Commons. If the House of Lords continues to reject the bill, the government may resort to using the Parliament Act 1949 to get the bill passed. Finally, the bill receives the Royal Accent, no bill has been rejected by the Monarch since 1707. Parliaments permission is needed to raise and spend money, key decisions are made y the government and although the House has the power to reject proposals this rarely happens in practise. The Commons also plays a scrutinising role which is mainly carried out in Departmental Select Committees and via the Public Accounts Committee. The work of scrutiny and influence goes on all the time and finds expression in everything the House does. The House of Commons has also inherited other functions such as; ensuring that the voices of citizens, individually and collectively are heard; Acting as a focus for National debate and recruiting the government. I think that the number one key role of the House of Commons is that of the legislature, they hold a role which the Lords wouldnt be able to do without them and if they didnt have this role the Parliament would need reforming. The role which the Commons Scrutinise and influence comes in a close second because this role means that they act on behalf of the community. Finally, in my opinion, the role which the Commons raise and spend public money is least important as there are other ways in which this can be done.