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We have all heard horror stories of the devastating effects that plastic pollution has had on the environment, from marine life to our air quality. But what would you say if I told you that plastic roads made of recycled material could benefit the environment? Plastic roads are being used instead of traditional asphalt roads, and research suggests that they can last up to three times longer than standard asphalt roads. In this article, we will discuss the various benefits of plastic roads, as well as the environmental impact they have.
Contents:
What are Plastic Roads?
Plastic roads have been on the rise as a sustainable and cost-efficient alternative to traditional roads made from asphalt and concrete. This new method uses recycled plastic to make roads more durable and longer-lasting than their traditional counterparts. The technology has been trialed in several countries worldwide with promising results.
So, what exactly are plastic roads? Plastic roads are made from recycled plastic material, including plastic water bottles, bags, containers, and other non-biodegradable plastic items. The recycled plastic material is combined with other ingredients, including asphalt and bitumen, which are then heated and melted to form the road. This method of road construction has several benefits over traditional roads.
Benefits of Plastic Roads
Plastic roads have many benefits when compared to traditional asphalt roads. The primary advantage of plastic roads is that they are far more durable, resilient, and flexible than asphalt roads. Here’re some major benefits of plastic roads.
Costs Savings
The primary cost savings associated with plastic roads is the cost of materials used to build them. Plastic roads are made of far fewer materials than asphalt roads and require less energy and resources to build. Plastic roads can be built up to 50% cheaper than traditional asphalt roads and require significantly less maintenance. Additionally, plastic roads are proven to last longer than asphalt roads, significantly reducing future maintenance costs.
Durability
According to the World Economic Forum, plastic roads have been proven to be three times stronger than asphalt. This means they can stand up to harsher weather and be more resistant to potholes, making them significantly more durable.
Flexibility
Plastic roads can flex and adapt to movements in the ground due to their unique construction. The use of plastic allows the roads to move and stretch with the changing terrain, which helps to reduce the risk of cracking and crumbling of asphalt roads caused by the shifting of the ground. This flexibility also allows the road to be constructed in more compact and less wasteful shapes, resulting in a road surface that requires less material and is, thus, more environmentally friendly.
Plastic roads also create jobs in local communities and stimulate economic growth. Since plastic roads are significantly cheaper to construct, local governments can use the money saved to hire additional workers and invest in the local economy. This can be a great source of income for low-income communities, as the construction of plastic roads can provide employment opportunities and help to stimulate economic growth.
Environmental Impact of Plastic Roads
Plastic roads have been gaining popularity in recent years due to their longevity and sustainability. Plastic roads are made using 100% recycled plastic and can provide a longer lifespan than traditional asphalt roads. They require less maintenance, and the plastic is immune to weathering, unlike asphalt. However, plastic roads have some potential environmental impacts that are important to consider.
Plastic roads are made from recycled plastic waste, and thus reduce the amount of plastic waste going into landfills. However, the production of plastic roads does require greater energy inputs than traditional asphalt roads do. Plastic roads can leach harmful chemicals, such as phthalates, into the surrounding environment over time. Phthalates cause reproductive and developmental issues in humans and wildlife alike.
Another potential impact of plastic roads is the potential for plastic micro-particles to enter the food chain. The wear and tear of vehicles create micro-particles of plastic on roads. When these particles enter the air and water, they can be ingested by wildlife, eventually making their way into the food chain. This can have detrimental effects on the environment and can even affect human health.
Finally, plastic roads are non-biodegradable. Plastic roads can take hundreds of years to break down, making them a potential source of long-term pollution. The lifespan of plastic roads may be extended by careful maintenance, but over time they will eventually have to be disposed of or recycled.
Despite these potential drawbacks, plastic roads can still provide many environmental benefits. By combining recycled plastic with other sustainable materials, plastic roads can provide an environmentally-friendly solution for roads and pavements. With careful consideration of the potential environmental impacts, plastic roads can be an effective way to reduce plastic waste and extend the life of our roads.
Carbon Footprint
The concept of a carbon footprint has become a widely accepted metric for measuring the impact of human activities on the planet. The term “carbon footprint” refers to the amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere due to manufacturing, transportation, and burning fossil fuels. In the last decades, the global carbon footprint has been increasing steadily, leading to the rise of the Earth’s temperature.
Plastic roads are an effective solution to reduce road construction and maintenance carbon footprint. The use of plastic waste in the construction of roads contributes to the conservation of fossil fuels, as well as to the decrease of carbon dioxide emissions.
Pollution
Pollution is one of the greatest threats to our environment. With the population and number of vehicles growing, the amount of pollutants released into the air is increasing at an alarming rate. The problem is exacerbated by the fact that many of the current roads are made of materials that could be more eco-friendly such as asphalt, concrete, and even sand. To combat this, many governments and private companies have begun utilizing plastic roads as eco-friendly transportation options.
Besides this, plastic roads can reduce road noise. Plastic roads are smoother than asphalt ones, so they reduce the friction between tires and road surfaces. This can decrease noise levels, making it more pleasant to travel on plastic roads.
Finally, plastic roads are also aesthetically pleasing, which is a great addition to any landscape. This can contribute to the beauty of an area while still providing a safe and efficient way to transport people, goods, and services.
