Chip Wrappers: Environmental Impact and Solutions
Year 7 Environmental Science Understanding plastic pollution and sustainable choices
What happens to your chip wrapper after you finish eating?
Think about the last time you ate chips Where did the wrapper go? What do you think happens to it next?
What Are Chip Wrappers Made Of?
Multiple layers of different plastics Aluminum foil for freshness Special coatings to prevent grease These materials are hard to separate Cannot be easily recycled
Environmental Problems Caused by Chip Wrappers
Take 450+ years to break down Release toxic chemicals as they decompose Harm wildlife who mistake them for food Clog waterways and storm drains Contribute to microplastic pollution
Impact on New Zealand Wildlife
{"left":"Seabirds mistake wrappers for food\nKiwi birds can get tangled in plastic\nMarine life ingests microplastics","right":"Plastic blocks digestive systems\nChemicals poison food chains\nHabitats become polluted"}
Calculate Your Chip Wrapper Footprint
How many chip packets do you eat per week? Multiply by 52 weeks in a year Each wrapper takes 450 years to decompose Calculate your lifetime impact Share your results with a partner
Solutions: What Can We Do?
Choose chips in recyclable cardboard boxes Bring reusable containers to bulk stores Support companies using eco-friendly packaging Properly dispose of wrappers in general waste Reduce overall chip consumption
Making a Difference
"Small actions, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world." - Howard Zinn
Your Action Plan
Commit to one change this week Track your chip wrapper usage Educate family and friends Look for sustainable alternatives Join or start an environmental group at school
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