By KOREY FERRINGER- Plastic. It’s in the oceans and it destroying ecosystems. Many companies have tried to limit plastic waste by using recycled plastic. Companies like Adidas, Nike, and Patagonia have all tried to release a new product or established new projects to clean some areas of the world. Not only that, but if the plastic was able to be used in a different way (such as roads) then it will reduce some of that plastic that’s in the oceans, thus giving the coral reefs some time to re-populate and keep the earth cleaner.
A bold new proposal is attempting to use discarded plastic to build roads. A normal asphalt road last about 20 years and concrete roads last about 35 years. Even after the 20 or 35 years, many roads have giant holes that could cause a wreck if not taken care of. Freshman BreAnn Stineman said, “I think the roads are terrible and really need to be worked on.” If the roads were changed to plastic, not only is if better for the environment, but it’s also 70% faster to lay down, and lasting three times longer. A company called PlasticRoad made a very informative schematic for a recycled plastic road that not only helps the environment, but it also acts as water storage.
If roads were made from plastic, the annual amount of car crashes could decrease dramatically. Freshman Isabella Anderson said, “If the roads were better maintained, then the total number of crashes would probably decrease.” With this in mind, society would be able to keep the ecosystem clean all around the world and preserve wildlife.
Along with the environment, using recycled plastic as a new source to build roads would also benefit people as well. Freshman Carson Midkiff said, “I think it would be great for taxpayers and also help the environment.” It wouldn’t only help taxpayers, but it would also greatly decrease the amount of time to put down a road. It usually takes a few months to put up a road, not to mention all the time the road is closed. Since the roads are lighter, it takes just a few days to put up a large number of roads.
Photo by Korey Ferringer
Photo Caption: Freshman Amanda Skursky holding a recycled plastic water bottle.
Korey is a freshman and this is his first year as a reporter. He hopes that he can help the High Arrow grow to be the best news source in Indiana.