UPDATED DECEMBER 10 2003  

• Plastics are synthetic materials consisting of molecules called polymers. The polymers that make up plastics are derived from petrochemicals, as compared to natural polymers such as cellulose, starch, and natural rubber. The synthetic polymer that constitutes plastics is a large molecule consisting of a long chain of chemically linked subunits called monomers.

• According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), plastic made up 8 percent of U.S. solid waste in 1988. By 2001, plastic made up 11 percent of U.S. solid waste. Between 1988 and 2001, municipal solid waste increased from 180 million tons to 232 million tons.

• For more information on plastics and the environment check out www.plasticsresource.com

• www.resource-recycling.com

  This is North America's Recycling and Composting Journal.

• www.ciwmb.ca.gov

  This is California's Integrated Waste Management Board. You can find publications and resources on a wide variety of solid waste topics, recycling and waste reduction.

• www.grrn.org

  The grassroots recycling network is an excellent site if you have an activist bent. Don't miss the GreenYes List for an open (unmoderated) discussion forum focusing on policies and strategies needed to advance sustainable resource policies.

• www.informinc.org

  INFORM is an independent research organization that examines the effects of business practices on the environment and on human health. Don't miss INFORM's Community Waste Prevention Toolkit for community leaders and grassroots environmental organizations to implement effective solid waste prevention programs in their towns and cities.

• www.epa.gov

  This is the EPA's Office of Solid Waste (OSW) site. This site contains information on recycling, waste programs, cleanup, pollution prevention and more.

• www.greensheetads.com

  Your personal source of new and used plastics machinery, auxiliary equipment, plastics auctions and liquidations, plastic materials, and services for the plastics industry.

• www.polymerweb.com

  This site describes itself as an "Online database of plastic materials suppliers, equipment, processors, moldmakers and other resources for the plastics industry".

• www.polymersite.com

  Polysort's Spot Exchange is designed to bring you competitive prices on popular prime resins you consistently use.