The development of plastics and their associated processing techniques has been a phenomenal episode in the history of materials science. With large scale development taking place only within the last 60 years, the use of plastics in product design and manufacture has spiraled at a rate unrivaled by conventional materials. Due to the wide spectrum of properties available, plastics have become one of the most sought after materials in the world today.

More plastics are now available to the designer and engineer than at any previous stage in the history of industry. Today there are over 90 generic plastics and around 1000 sub-generic modifications with 50 thousand commercial grades available from over 500 manufacturers.

The short history of plastic development and proven usage has meant for the designer and engineer that for critical engineering applications there has never been enough time to fully explore service life and problems that might occur during the use of plastics. There has always been the question of vulnerability to failure and the ramifications of potential litigation. To some degree this situation has improved, as the portfolio of successful plastic designs has grown in demanding engineering applications. However, for new innovative applications pushing the boundaries of material performance the problem remains.

Designing to ensure plastic product reliability is critical due to the increasing importance of:

Product liability claims

Environmental concerns

Certification in order to become an approved supplier

An awareness of quality costs

Product liability can be the most damaging with settlements and penalties in the order of thousands or even millions of pounds, particularly when failure has resulted in personal injury or death. In addition to litigation financial costs, there is the distraction of key employees from normal duties, loss in product perception, brand credibility and manufacturer reputation.

Considering that approximately 70% of plastic products fail prematurely, failures have been poorly reported since the owners of failed products are naturally generally reluctant to publicise the fact. Failure investigations of such cases tend not to be disseminated due to client confidentiality agreements and for this reason the activity is predominately covert. As a consequence the potential benefits such as learning from the mistakes and misfortunes of others, and identifying priorities for research and critical issues in product development are far from being fully exploited.

It is clear from the extent of plastic and rubber failure investigations conducted by Smithers Rapra that limited dissemination of plastic and rubber failure knowledge within the public domain has resulted in a continual cycle of plastic and rubber failure incidents from all industrial sectors. The lessons of good plastic and rubber product design are not being learnt even in light of the enormous growth in product liability cases that have imposed an entirely new dimension on the consumer product environment. It is now well established in law that manufacturers are liable for injuries resulting from defective product; for injuries from a hazard associated with a product against which the user should have been warned; or for damages caused by misapplication of a product which could have been foreseen by the manufacturer.

It is a practical necessity to understand why plastics fail in order to minimise the failure scenario. Smithers Rapra has acquired this knowledge due to 50 years dealing with a diverse clientele providing technical services aimed at problem solving and in particular failure diagnosis.

Failure is a practical problem with a product and implies that the component no longer fulfils its function. Frequently, the ability to withstand mechanical stress or strain (and thereby store or absorb mechanical energy) is the most important criterion in service and consequently mechanical failure is usually a primary concern. However failure may also be attributed to loss of attractive appearance or shrinkage.

In order to avert product failure it is critical that at all stages of the design process there must be a concurrent engineering approach to product development. This system ensures that from inception of the project until final high volume manufacture all parties involved (marketing, industrial design, product engineers, plastic expert, tooling designers/engineers and processors) continually communicate in order to take advantage of the valuable knowledge and experience of all. Key to successful design is that all aspects of the performance, production, assembly and ultimate use of the part are considered. Furthermore all parties promote building reliability and safety into the product.

In order to reduce the likelihood of product failure all parties within the design process must have the ability to imagine how their designed plastic part could fail. This can only be achieved if the product design team has a good appreciation of plastics material selection, product design, processing and specific material weaknesses and fault/ failure modes and avoidance.

Plastic product failure is commonly associated with human error or weakness and is typically associated with the factors shown in figure 1.0

Human Causes of Failure (%)

In an attempt to reduce the incidence of plastic product failure we must react to the fact that they are typically due to human error, misunderstanding and ignorance of plastic materials and associated processes and that the material or process is usually not at fault.

It is hoped that the following information will provide some insight into complexity of plastics design and plastic failure modes.

Poor Material Selection / Substitution

Failures arising from incorrect material selection and grade selection are perennial problems in the plastics industry. In order to perform plastic material selection successfully a complete understanding of plastic material characteristics, specific material limitations and failure modes is required. Good material selection requires a judicious approach and careful consideration of application requirements in terms of mechanical, thermal, environmental, chemical, electrical and optical properties. Production factors such as feasible and efficient method of manufacture in relation part size and geometry need to be assessed. In terms of economics the material cost, cycle times and part price need to be considered.

Two common reasons for improper material selection are that the material selector has limited plastics knowledge and expertise and is unfamiliar with the material selection process. Alternatively, a suitable material has been specified but not used. Materials substitutions most commonly occur when the customer is unable to enforce quality procurement specifications, particularly if manufacturing site is remotely based. Common problems encountered include:

Processor simply substituting with a cheaper material.

Use of the wrong grade of material (incorrect MFI).

Use of general purpose PS rather than HIPS.

Homopolymer used instead of copolymer

Incorrect pigments, fillers, lubricants or plasticisers used.

Poor Design

There are no absolute rules pertaining to plastic product design. However, some general principles and guidelines are well established particularly between amorphous and semi-crystalline thermoplastics and thermosets and the various processing techniques. These are readily available from material suppliers.

The basic rules apply to fillets, radii, wall thickness, ribs, bosses, taper, holes, draft, use of metal inserts, undercuts, holes, threads, shrinkage, dimensional tolerance. Design rules which apply to secondary joining and assembly processes (welding, mechanical fastening and adhesive/solvent welding) need to be carefully evaluated too.

The designer and engineer should be aware that due to the diverse range of plastic materials and properties the design criteria will change form material to material as well as application to application.

Common design errors are related to abrupt geometrical changes excessive wall thickness, sharp corners and lack of radii, lack of understanding of the creep mechanism due to plastic visco-elasticity, environmental compatibility, draft, placement of ribs and injection gates.

A significant number of plastic parts fail due to sharp corners / insufficient radius. Sharp corners create stress concentrations resulting in locally high stresses and strains. Since plastics are notch sensitive the stress concentration will promote crack initiation and ultimately fracture. They also impede material flow and ejection form the tool.

A significant number of failures can be attributed to excessive wall thickness and abrupt geometrical change. A pre-requisite is that uniform wall thickness is maintained since this keeps sink marks, voids, warpage, and moulded-in stress to a minimum.

Designers and engineers must be fully conversant with the visco-elastic nature of plastics and their creep, creep rupture, stress relaxation and fatigue mechanisms.

Visco-plastic materials respond to stress as if they were a combination of elastic solids and viscous fluids. Consequently they exhibit a non-linear stress-strain relationship and their properties depend on the time under load, temperature, environment and the stress or strain level applied. An example of viscoelasticity can be seen with Silly Putty. If this material is pulled apart quickly it breaks in a brittle manner. If, however, pulled slowly apart the material behaves in a ductile manner and can be stretched almost indefinitely. Decreasing the temperature of Silly Putty, decreases the stretching rate at which it becomes brittle. Key is that the designer and engineer understand that:

Plastics will deform under load

When subjected to static low stress / strain a ductile / brittle transition will occur at some point in time resulting in brittle failure

Cyclic stressing will result in a ductile / brittle transition resulting in brittle failure at low stress level

Premature initiation of cracking and embrittlement of a plastic can occur due to the simultaneous action of stress and strain and contact with specific chemical environments (liquid or vapour)

Design failure may also be attributed to reduced safety factors due to cost pressures and the use of plastics is demanding applications taking them to their design limits where on occasion they are exceeded.

Poor Processing

Poor processing, accounts for many in-service failures. Often the problem can be traced to a blatant disregard for established processing procedures and guidelines provided by material manufacturers. The driving force behind this is often economic – the need to achieve reduced cycle times and higher production yield.

Typical processing faults are given in Table 1.0. Many of these faults can generally be overcome by attention to processing variables such as temperature, shear rates, cooling times and pressure.

Table 1.0 Processing faults

Use of inappropriate process equipment

Non-uniform wall thickness

Short shots

Bubbles

Sink marks

Post-moulding shrinkage

Warping / distortion

Foreign body contamination

Voids

Cosmetic – discolouration, splay marks

Degradation(insufficient drying of material, process temperature too high, residence time in the barrel too long, shear heating, too much regrind Self-contamination (e.g., part-melted granules).

Self-contamination (e.g., part-melted granules).

Poor material homogeneity

Poor weld lines and spider lines

Residual stress

Molecular orientation

Development of low or excessive crystallinity

Abnormal crystalline texture

Insufficient packing

Scorching

Jetting

Flashing

Abnormal spatial and size distribution of phases in composites

Mis-use / Abuse

Plastic product failure due to mis-use may result from a disregard for manufacturer installation instructions and failure to heed warnings. Failure may also occur due to simply using a product beyond its recommended service life, for function it was not intended or simply due to malicious attack.

Plastic Failure Modes

The main failure modes of plastics can be classed as mechanical, thermal, radiation, chemical and electrical as shown in Table 2.0. Classification of failure mode by mechanism shows that mechanical failure is the predominant mechanism although it is often the end result of many other failure modes.

From Smithers Rapra’s experience we have found that the vast majority of plastic product failures are due to the cumulative effects of synergies between creep, fatigue, temperature, chemical species, UV and other environmental factors.

Table 2.0 Plastic Failure Modes Mechanisms

Mechanical Modes

Deformation and distortion due to creep & stress relaxation, Yielding, , Crazing

Brittle Fracture due to Creep rupture (static fatigue), Notched creep rupture, Fatigue (slow crack growth from cyclic loading), High energy impact

Wear & abrasion,

Thermal Modes

Thermal fatigue

Degradation – thermo-oxidation

Dimensional instability

Shrinkage

Combustion

Additive extraction

Chemical Modes

Solvation, Swelling, dimensional instability and additive extraction

Oxidation

Acid induced stress corrosion cracking (SCC)

Hydrolysis (water, acid or alkali)

Halogenation

Environmental stress cracking (ESC)

Biodegradation

Radiation Modes

Photo-oxidative degradation (UV Light)

Ionising radiation ( gamma radiation, X rays)

Electrical Modes

Electrostatic build-up, Arcing, tracking, Electrical and water treeing

Synergistic Modes

Weathering – effects due to photo and thermo-oxidation, temperature cycling, erosion by rain and wind-borne particles and chemical elements in the environment

Smithers Rapra have undertaken over 5000 failure investigations of which a significant number can be attributed to embrittlement and / or brittle fracture resulting from slow degradation or deterioration processes. From Figure 2.0 it can be seen that ESC, fatigue, notched static rupture, thermal degradation, UV degradation and chemical attack fall into this category, even when the material was reported to be ductile.

Article By Paul Coupe Contact Dr Chris O’Connor is the Technology Manager at Smithers Rapra.Tel. 01939 252423. Email coconnor@rapra.net

http://www.rapralimited.org Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Coupe
http://EzineArticles.com/?Why-Plastic-Products-Fail&id=1497319

Recycling is easy. It is just that it is a new habit and we all know what it is like trying to form new habits. We meet resistance and apathy. We all know what we need to do to protect and nurture our environment, to prevent global catastrophe and save our future generations. But can we actually do it? Fortunately many people are now embracing the change and when that happens, more and more start to join the effort. I’m optimistic about meeting our global challenges because in the end I think we ultimately all care – well, most of us anyway!

Join the crowd and relearn to recycle

Do you know how to recycle your garbage? It is a process that is amazingly simple, yet so many people continue to throw every bit of garbage into the trash bin without separating it into appropriate containers. Each bag of trash that could have been recycled is another pound or more of garbage that is causing landfills to overflow.

There is only a certain amount of garbage that our nation will be able to handle. You can learn to do your part to reduce and reuse recyclables.

Recycling plastic, aluminium, paper, etc etc is both possible and desirable

Most cities and towns now offer a recycling program as a way to keep recyclables out of the landfills. But there are still towns that do not have recycling programs.

If you want to recycle and your town does not offer a program, then you can always start a movement to have one started. If there is one, then you will need to contact the sanitation department to find out the pick-up day and get the right containers for the right items.

Sort it out!

Step two is the actual sorting of garbage into the appropriate recycling containers. Recyclables can be broken up into different categories.

• There are paper products,
• waste products, such as food scraps and yard trimmings,
• aluminum cans, glass containers and plastic liquid storage containers

You may not have a place to take everything but every little bit helps the greater cause. Once you have the appropriate containers, your next step is to perform the actual sorting. Do not wait until five minutes before the garbage pick-up is scheduled to begin sorting. The best advice is to do it as you go.

When you are finished with that milk jug, rinse it out and place it in the plastics bin. The same thing goes for that newspaper, aluminum cans and plastic bottles. If you want to keep your home smelling nice, then make sure you rinse out your containers before placing them in the recycling bins.

The knowledge on how to recycle is out there for you to gain. Follow the three steps and you will find yourself using more recycled materials and keeping more materials out of our landfills.

One person can make a difference by setting a good example at work, school and home.

New habits

Teach your family how to separate their garbage and before long it will become second nature to them. Each member can then influence one other person. If this keeps up there will be more and more families doing their part to save the environment.

What ideas do you have about how to recycle? Please comment below …

Main article By: Michael Selvon

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Enrich your knowledge further about how to recycle from Mike Selvon portal. We appreciate your feedback at our waste management blog where a free gift awaits you.

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There are so many conflicting views out there about nutrition and health and the advice seeems to change every five minutes. Even the wrappings around the food are a subject of debate, whether it is about saving waste and recycling or whether something is a safe plastic or not.

Time and again our duties or to-do lists we set up at one point, turns out to be outmoded in the long run. So, is the case of nutrition and how we eat. Our body may not act in the same response to a particular food the next time you try it. Each month or maybe each week, a new set of rules and innovations regarding nutrition are implemented in your life. Experts gives us opinions on ways to alter our eating habits to promote a nutritional diet.

Numerous food journals are on the go and it is not at all difficult to pick the one that agrees with your body and taste. The first factor to be aware of is generating accountability. Be serious enough about your health and eating habits. Try not to eat too fast of too slow. Take the time out of your day to scribble down the foods you consumed. After glancing over the list, you can determine the amount of junk food in your diet and the absence of nutritional foods.

Make a list

Writing down the your eats awakens people of their eating habits. So the best thing here is to change your eating habits. No need to skip meals; all you need to make is a good list of nutritional foods.

Yet another common mistake many people do is to mix up diet with workouts. This is very wrong. First, correct your eating habits by putting in lots of nutrition rich food and then be stable with it. Once you are doing well with the diet, select a workout plan that would never hinder your healthy food plan. Remember that good nutrition and weight loss goes hand in hand.

Change your eating habits

Change your food choices once in a while and keep track of it. This is will open your eyes and will make you once step closer to eating the right way. Good power over mind and the body will be the result.

Nutrition shouldn’t be compromised with tasty foods. Our taste buds will never comprehend the meaning of nutrition and health. Taste buds should be satisfied, so try to shift the recipes without getting rid of the flavor and smell. One should not eat until your stomach is full. Eating bit by bit is yet another technique to eat in the right way.

It takes time to adjust to our new eating habits. It requires dedication, confidence, and an intense fondness to eating healthy. Stay with a balanced diet and never put too much stress into fat-free foods, as our body needs good cholesterol. Include enough fruits and vegetables that contain lots of nutrients. Create a list of nutrient-rich foods. Your body needs you! Incorporate nutrition in your diet so eat the right way!!

Package it the right way to and inform yourself about PET and BPA free plastics which are often used as plastic food storage to store or heat  foods and liquids

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Going organic means returning back to goold old nutritious food the way it used to be before big commercial interests started pumping in all sorts of chemical ingredients to preserve and color the foods. What may not be so noticeable, though, is that packaging also is an important element to keep in mind when buying baby food. BPA free baby bottles and jars for example are much safer than other kinds of plastic. They may also be preferable to glass which has the potential to break and pose a hazard.

The appearance of organic baby foods on the market has made a change in the perception of baby nutrition in the first place. Lots of parents pay a great deal of attention to the quality of the products they use to feed their babies and toddlers. Organic baby foods thus represent one of the best choices a parent can have to provide a child the first taste of solid food.

There are several organic food brands that enjoy the top preferences of the consumers and plenty of reviews are available to check online. Generally preferred over canned items, frozen or refrigerated food occupies the top of the shelves in this market segment.

The preference for refrigerated organic baby foods is that they preserve nutrients a lot better together with the natural flavor of the ingredients. There are no pesticides, no hormones and chemical stimulants found in the composition of organic baby foods, because the fruit, vegetables, dairy products and meat that make their primary matter come from organic farms and crops. Lots of parents prefer the home-made organic baby foods that they prepare by themselves from carefully selected organic food. Specialists in fact appreciate that this is the best chance for the kid to benefit from a a solid rock health and a proper nutrition.

In case you purchase any organic foods, it is important that you follow the nutrition stage closely related with the age of the baby. Thus, there are usually super-smooth, smooth and even chunky organic baby foods starting from four months of age and up to a year onwards. While simple meals work great for small infants, toddlers will definitely need and like more complex meals. In case you want to identify the best sold brands in a certain part of the world, you’ll find plenty of information online together with recommendations and reviews. Have a look and see what’s good for your baby’s tummy!

Organic baby foods are well spoken of by researchers and pediatricians all over the world, since regular foods are too treated with chemicals such as fertilizers and hormones that intoxicate a child’s body. The consequences of poor food choices include health problems with lower immune functions, frequent coughs, constipation, food sensitivities and other digestive problems that will follow the child into his/her adult years as well. Even if one cannot avoid using regular food 100%, at least try to create a balanced diet with as many organic baby foods as possible. Although the costs for the latter alternative are higher, they are worth every penny in the context of the larger picture!

Also make sure that the packaging that these baby foods are packaged in are made of BPA free plastics and never warm up food inside its packaging in the microwave. It is far better to take it out and warm it in a ceramic or glass dish, since plastics that are heated are known to leak toxins. Safe plastic for hot liquids and foods is safer for baby. If you make your own at home and want to store it also make sure you are using storage plastic that is bpa free.

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What can you do to still have a regular supply of pure water and not go wild on the plastic containers in the form of dozens of bottles of water it often comes in?

Concerned about the Environmental Impact of Bottled Water? Go Green with Bottled Water Delivery and Proactive Recycling

Learn How Bottled Water Delivery and Recycling Plastic Bottles Can Help the Environment

With all of the recent environmental concern about bottled water and recycling plastic bottles, you may be wondering how you can get the pure taste of bottled water that you love without impacting Mother Earth.

Bottled water delivery is one approach to greener living that consumers are taking advantage of more and more. The majority of the larger bottled water containers that are used in bottled water delivery services can be sanitized and reused, and when they can no longer be used, they can be recycled by the water delivery provider. Another approach is to go green by recycling plastic bottles from single-serve containers as well as encouraging friends and co-workers to recycle.

Going Green with Bottled Water Delivery

Throughout the United States many consumers and businesses are electing to purchase bottled drinking water instead of tap or well water, whether from the grocery store in single-serve containers or from a bottled water delivery service. The trend is clearly on the rise. A recent study of the bottled water industry indicates that U.S. bottled water sales and consumption continue to multiply at double digit rates as consumers and businesses increasingly choose bottled water as a beverage of choice

With this notable increase in bottled water sales has come increasing concern about the impact of plastic bottles on the environment.

Contrary to what the general public often believes, the bottled water industry was among the first to begin recycling plastic bottles. The industry was founded by utilizing the reusable container system of the Home and Office (HOD) delivery segment. The bottled water that is provided by bottled water delivery services typically comes in 3 or 5-gallon bottles that can be used by the consumer, then picked up by the water bottle provider, sanitized, sterilized, repackaged, and sent back to the consumer.

The exact number of times that these bottles can be reused varies, depending on where the bottles are stored and how much they are handled, but oftentimes they can be used for several years. These bottles can be delivered to your home or office and they can also be purchased at major retail locations.

Bottled water offers a healthy alternative to other beverages that container sugar and calories, and home and office bottled water delivery offers ease and convenience to consumers and businesses. The quality of product and service offerings in the marketplace differs significantly. Therefore, it is beneficial to the consumer to investigate any potential bottled water supplier with care. Bottled water delivery companies work hard to protect the environment, and urge those that enjoy their products to do the same.

Consumers’ Role in Going Green

The qualities spurring bottled water’s growth are clear.

Toxic BPA plastics are being replaced by safer alternatives such as PET plastic

Many consumers recognize it to be healthy and safe although some would still argue that it is not. The debate is still open. Some argue that tap water is safe and others claim it is not.

So, you may be wondering how you can continue to enjoy your favorite bottled water while lessening the impact on the environment. There are many actions we can take to reduce the amount of waste we generate or that we send to the landfill. Making recycling plastic bottles a habit and promoting recycling at home and in the office is a huge step towards going green. Challenge yourself, as well as your family and friends, to see how much waste you can reduce from your weekly curbside pickup.

Did you know that 100% of bottled water containers are recyclable, where facilities exist? Take advantage of your community’s recycling program, if one is available. For consumers that have recycling programs available through their municipality or locality, check your local phonebook to contact them and learn about recycling programs in your community and how to obtain the curbside recycling bins.

Recycling Programs

Recycling program guidelines differ depending on the area, so check with the local recycler regarding specific expectations and preparation of the materials. Here are some general guidelines:

• Separate caps, lids, or easily removable labels from the plastic prior to recycling plastic bottles.

• Rinse containers

• Step on the bottle or container to reduce its volume before placing it in your recycling container

If you are not currently using a bottled water delivery service, recycling should be encouraged away from home as well. To obtain specialized recycling bins that are made for the office, church, school or special events, contact your local recycler.

A note of caution – although it is tempting, refilling single-serve water bottles with tap water and reusing them repeatedly is not recommended due to potential sanitation concerns. Continually refilling these water bottles with tap water, without cleaning or sanitizing the bottles in between can introduce harmful bacteria to the water that should not be consumed. Recycling plastic bottles or using a bottled water delivery service that sanitizes bottles and then recycles them is a much better alternative for you, your family and the environment.

Conclusion

Amid concerns of the impact of bottled water on the environment, it is time to step up and take action to go green. There are several options that enable you to continue to enjoy the benefits of bottled water while lessening the impact it has on the environment. Taking advantage of a bottled water delivery service at home and in the office, as well as promoting and recycling plastic bottles, are two ways in which you can go green.

References

International Bottle Water Association Press Release dated April 13, 2006; http://www.bottledwater.org

By Joseph Silva Published  11/6/2007  Food & Drink , Environment

About the Author
Joseph Silva is the Director of Marketing for DS Waters. DS Waters is a bottled water manufacturer and distributor of Alhambra®, Belmont Springs®, Crystal Springs®, Hinckley Springs®, Kentwood Springs®, Sierra Springs®, and Sparkletts®. For more information on home or office water delivery, visit Water.com

Got Water?

When is the last time you bought bottled water? Why did you do that? You just paid a dollar for something that comes out of your tap for free. In the States, the water that comes out of the faucet is totally safe. Here, it is not. 

Water Filtration: Safe Drinking Water from Thin Air

Anyone who has ever tasted “plasticy” bottled water or chlorinated tap water will know that taste is the real test of any filtration system. Dewpointe claims that its water is more pure than anything you’ll get out of your tap

Contaminated Drinking Water in Our Schools

Roughly one of every five schools with its own water supply violated the Safe Drinking Water Act in the past decade, according to data from the Environmental Protection Agency analyzed by the AP. In California’s farm belt, wells at some schools are so tainted with pesticides that students have taken to stuffing their backpacks with bottled water for fear of getting sick from the drinking fountain. 

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Polywood outdoor furniture is attractive, durable and easy to maintain and is becoming more popular than regular light plastic furniture

Plastic versus Polywood: don’t know the difference? Well keep reading.

Plastic outdoor patio furniture

Plastic outdoor patio furniture that so many of us are accustomed to seeing at the local home improvement store or even at the local super market is lightweight.

It goes swimming every time the wind blows and is easily broken. You will find plastic outdoor furniture only available in white or green that I have seen. Did I mention that quite often it needs to be replaced every year due to the chalky film that develops after a couple of months in the hot sun?

Poly outdoor furniture

Poly outdoor furniture, on the other hand, is a High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) plastic which is made from recycled milk jugs, bottles and containers. The HDPE plastic is then formed into typical wood profiles that will later be cut, drilled and screwed into sustainable outdoor furniture, decking, and a variety of commercial uses that are built to last a lifetime. Poly outdoor furniture is weighty and will withstand the north wind blowing as the lightest adirondack chair is weighing in at about forty pounds.

There are now several poly lumber furniture manufacturers taking the outdoor patio furniture market by storm.

The company on the leading edge is Poly-Wood outdoor furniture which is a name brand for recycled poly lumber furniture. PolyWood outdoor furniture may cost you more initially however is a far wiser investment when you consider the longevity of the outdoor furniture and the virtually maintenance free qualities.

Poly-Wood outdoor furniture is backed by a manufacturers warranty which promises that it will not rust, split or splinter. PolyWood outdoor furniture uses commercial grade stainless steel with an additional ‘Xylan’ protective and cosmetic coating. All these features intentionally planned to create sustainable outdoor furniture built to last a lifetime.

Poly-Wood outdoor furniture is available in a wide variety of styles from the timeless Nautical collection to the Long Island and South Beach Collections, to the stylish Chippendale Collection and let me not forget the Adirondack Collection.

Adirondack

All of these collections will handsomely complement any outdoor environment. You will find the classic Adirondack chair in several styles and a minimum of six traditional colors and six bright, vivid colors. Also, you can find Traditional Benches, Rockers, Gliders, Dining and Bistro Tables, Dining Chairs and Bistro Chairs and Swings all made out of sustainable PolyWood outdoor furniture.

New styles and collections are being added each year. New this year is the Rockford Collection which features a high back vertical slat design available in three different size benches a Dining Side Chair and a Dining Arm Chair. Also, taking the market by storm is the Presidential Rocker Series the Jefferson Rocker and the Kennedy Rocker. Both available in the polywood we have come to trust.

In the end you need to decide whether you are interested in sustainable PolyWood heavy duty outdoor furniture for a lifetime of enjoyment that will withstand high winds and blazing sun. Or you can go with lightweight plastic furniture that will blow in the breeze, chalk and crack after a few years of use and then be tossed aside to further fill our overflowing landfills.

By Donna Reed. Donna Reed is an active environmentalist associated with Green Peace and the Sierra Club. Her focus on environmental issues has turned to the recycling industry and products that are made from recycled plastics. Polywood and Polywood Products save millions of pounds of plastic from landing in our ever growing landfills each year and have caught her eye with their environmentally friendly advantages! Donna is currently working with Premium Poly Patios to help make the public aware of the environmental benefits of this Eco-Friendly Furniture.

Article Source: ArticleSnatch Free Article Directory

Check out these opther blog posts on recycled plastic furniture…

Polywood Patio Furniture

There has been a large surge in interest for patio furniture in the last few years. We are all trying to get a little bit more back to nature.

Recycled wood furniture

PolyWood Terrace Furniture offers these consumers an earth-friendly alternative to conventional area furnishings. PolyWood, a Dominating Denseness Polyethylene (HDPE) plastic, is made from 100% recycled materials such as bottles 

Polywood wood-plastic patio furniture

Anyone looking for outdoor garden furniture should seriously consider polywood patio furniture. the fef quality of poly wood garden furniture is second to none. it is extremely durable and is becoming extremely popular.

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In times of emergency we may realize that clean water is of prime importance

Then we start to look for places or containers to store it. It is here that we must be careful what we use.

How Not to Store Water

In an emergency survival situation, you may be tempted to store water in any available container.

However, when you can, plan for emergency water storage, your water storage options can be better defined. Let’s start with what not to store water in:

• Containers that can’t be sealed tightly
• Containers that can break, such as glass bottles
• Containers that have ever held any toxic substance
• Plastic milk cartons or bottles
• Hard plastic bottles made with polycarbonate plastics and identified by the #7 recycling symbol
• Used pre-packaged water bottles

Any containers that can not be sealed tightly are not a good choice for water storage as contaminants may easily enter the container. While glass bottles are easily cleaned and may seal well, their breakability and weight make them to be less desirable for emergency water storage use.

Obviously, you would not intentionally store water in any container that previously held a toxic substance. Such substances can not be adequately cleaned from the walls of the container. If you don’t know what was in a particular container – it should not be used. The biggest problem with plastic milk cartons is their inability to be resealed, plus they are difficult to clean and break down over time.

We now know that hard plastic bottles made with polycarbonate plastics and identified by the #7 recycling symbol, may leach BPA (Bisphenol A) and should not be used for water storage. The type of plastic bottle in which water is usually sold is generally a #1, and is recommended for one time use only. Do not refill these pre-packaged water bottles.

It is plastics made with BPA, used for example for baby bottles and plastic dishes that are used in the microwave that need to be avoided

Not all plastics are harmful however so it is a good idea to become aware of which ones are safe

Protect your world by making a plan for your home, business and school.

Choose the right emergency preparedness supplies

Safe plastics

• PET plastics: examples include some soft drink, water and sports  bottles and jam jars.They are not known to leach any toxic chemicals

• High density polyethylene or HDPE for short and Polypropylene are plastic containers used for water, juice, ketchup and milk bottles, margarine and yoghurt tubs, rubbish bags and grocery shopping bags.There is no evidence of these containers leaching any cancer causing chemicals

• Low-density polyethylene  such as frozen food bags is not known to leach any chemicals that are suspected of causing cancer

How to Store Water

Refill your emergency water storage container with tap water. You should dump and refill each container every 6 months to keep it fresh.

TIP: Using a garden hose to fill containers from an exterior hose bib can result in water that has a distinct plastic or rubbery taste. Instead, try using a potable water hose found at most RV service centers.

All public water supplies are already treated and should be free of harmful bacteria. However, as an additional precaution, it is recommended that you add 5-7 drops, about 1/8 teaspoon, of chlorine bleach per gallon of water stored. This precaution protects you against any lingering organisms in storage containers that may have been inadvertently missed during the cleaning process.

Water preserver Concentrate

You may also extend the storage life of your water by using a product called Water Preserver™ Concentrate.

This is a liquid additive that disinfects, preserves and extends the safe storage life of emergency drinking water. Water Preserver™ provides 5-year storage guaranteed for regular tap water or commercial bottled water. Water Preserver™ kills and prevents the re-growth of Coliform bacteria and other disease-causing microorganisms for 5 years, when used as directed. Water Preserver™ kills the pathogenic organisms responsible for typhoid, dysentery and other serious diseases, and also kills and prevents growth of yeast, mold, fungi and algae which also make water undrinkable.

Do not store your emergency water supply in the attic due to the potential for excessive floor loading (water weighs 8.3 lb/gallon) and leakage. Don’t stack containers over 2 high and secure them from falling over, especially in earthquake zones.

If possible, store emergency water in a cool dark place. To increase the shelf-life of water stored in translucent containers, group the containers together in dark plastic bags to keep out the light.

Store your water supply away from gasoline, kerosene, pesticides, or similar substances that give off vapors.

Recommended Water Storage Containers

Plastic water bottles are very convenient for carrying water around when we are on the go, as they don’t break if we drop them. However, it is worth paying attention to the type of plastic your water bottle is made of, to ensure that the chemicals in the plastic do not leach into the water. To be certain that you are choosing a bottle that does not leach chemicals, check the recycling symbol on the bottle. If it has a #1, #2 HDPE (high density polyethylene), a #4 LDPE (low density polyethylene), or a #5 PP (polypropylene), your bottle is fine.

Survival quantities of water can be purchased in small single-use packages including juice boxes and pouches. Such water is packaged with a 5 year shelf-life as approved by the U. S. Coast Guard. Larger quantities of water may be stored safely in approved containers such as 2 gallon plastic bags, 5 gallon containers or 55 gallon barrels. A key consideration with larger containers is the inability to move them or carry them very far once they are full.

Cleaning Water Storage Containers

Assuming you are using an approved storage container as noted above, follow the steps below to clean your container.

Step 1: Drain all water from your emergency storage container. Keep in mind, you do not have to throw this water away, it can be used to water plants, the lawn, or even give the dog a bath.

Step 2: Mix dish washing soap and clean water and pour into your storage container. Agitate the container so that the soap and water mixture hits all of the cracks and crevices and internal surfaces including the cap or pour spout.

Step 3: Thoroughly rinse your water storage container several times with clean tap water to remove any soap residue.

Step 4: Mix a solution of 4 cups water and 1 tablespoon of chlorine bleach (with 5.25% – 6% sodium hypochlorite as an active ingredient) for every gallon of water your storage container holds.

WARNING: Do not use scented or “color safe” bleach products. Liquid bleach loses strength over time. If the bleach is a year old, double the amount to 2 tablespoons. Two year old bleach should not be used. Bleach should be stored out of direct sunlight and away from heat to avoid deterioration.

Step 5: Pour the bleach solution into the container and close the top of the container and shake it, roll it and swish the solution around in the container until it has been well rinsed Allow the solution to sit in the bottom of the container for at least thirty minutes. This solution will clean several containers.

Step 6: Open the container and pour the solution into the next container, assuming it is the same size. Repeat the rinsing action described in Step 5. When done, dispose of the bleach solution in a load of white laundry in your washing machine.

Step 7: Thoroughly rinse the container(s) several times with clean tap water. If any algae or discoloration is visible, do not reuse the container.

Dangers of Water Storage

If water is stored improperly (in heat, lid not tight, outside air comes in contact with the water, etc.), or if the freshness/expiration date is exceeded, the water may become contaminated.

Vapors from gasoline, kerosene, pesticides, paint or similar substances can permeate Polyethylene plastic containers (water, milk, and bleach bottles) and affect the water quality. Thick-walled polyethylene containers are significantly less permeable to such vapors.

Stored water may eventually develop a disagreeable appearance, taste, or odor. A lot of times people will refer to stored water “tasting flat.” This condition can generally be resolved by pouring the water from one container to another, back and forth about three or four times to aerate the water.

Public water agencies don’t chemically treat drinking water with the intent of keeping it preserved forever. While Chloramine is a good preservative, public drinking water is not designed to have a long shelf-life. When you pour water into a container, don’t assume it will last forever.

Author: Jim Serre

Copyright © 2009 GetReadyGear.com

Jim Serre has over 30 years of engineering, safety and corporate training experience. He is an Office of Emergency Services qualified Search & Rescue Unit member in two northern California counties. He has provided Emergency Training to thousands of citizens in neighborhoods, businesses and faith-based groups and is a certified instructor for FEMA’s Community Emergency Response Team training. His knowledge of survival and preparedness skills make him uniquely qualified to design emergency kits that can save your life. For more emergency preparedness information see his website at www.getreadygear.com.

Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_780467_27.html

Protect your world by making a plan for your home, business and school.

Choose the right emergency preparedness supplies

Technorati Tags: bottles, buy, clear, container, containers, drink, drinking, empty, plastic, refilling, storage, used, water

If you are looking to automate the process of applying labels, especially for cylindrical products such as plastic water bottle containers you need a special labeler to make the job easier

For small businesses that offer bottled products, custom labels are needed to compete with the big boys. In the past, it wasn”t a big deal to apply labels on the container without the use of a bottle label applicator because the demand for bottles was light and manageable.

But then the demand for your product increased which led to more work and less time. So with the help of a bottle label machine you can apply more labels on the bottle with less time. Bottle labeling applicator is a revolutionary machine perfect for small business owner. You can get manual bottle labeler machine which is used to label wide range of bottles from a small pharmaceutical bottle to a large gallon jug. Features of Manual Bottle label applicator are easy to operate, light and portable and exact label placement.

Bottle Labelers are used to label water bottles or any other cylindrical objects. It is very easy to use a bottle labeler machine, simply insert the cylindrical container and press the foot switch. Once the foot switch is on, it will just take 4.5 per second to label a container.

Most water bottles are labeled in less than 2 seconds. As the process is very quick and simple, a user can remove the bottle and insert another in less than one minute. Once the rhythm is established bottles will be labeled very quickly. Many online stores provide a guarantee for bottle labeling machines. If you are not happy with their service you can return back their machine within a few weeks. Bottle labeling machines can label test tube size up to 1.5 gallon bottle. Label cylinders are 15″ length. If a person manually does label work, he may insert only 100 to 200 labels in water bottles within 1 hour. But if you use bottle labeling machine more than 1000 labels can be inserted in one hour.

Bottle labeling machines are suitable for labeling bottles of different shapes, sizes and material such as glass and plastic. There are various types of bottle labeling machine such as Wrap-Around, Top/Bottom and Front & Back Bottle labeling machine. Certain features of labeling machine are it is user friendly, constructed of stainless steel and aluminum alloy for rust-free performance.

A Label Dispenser is used to label Ampoules, Glass bottles, Pet bottles, Tins, Pouches, Cassettes, Floppy Disk, Square box, Containers, Syringes etc. Label applicator are used in various industries like food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, personal care products, electronics, Health care, Agriculture, Pesticides, FMCG Distribution, logistics, handling etc.

Alex powell is an expert author, who is presently working on the site label dispenser He has written many articles in various topics. For more information about bottle label applicators. Visit our site bottle-labeler.com/

Article Source: ArticleSnatch Free Article Directory

Technorati Tags: applicator, automatic, bottle, containers, label, labeler, labelers, labeling, labeller, labelling, maker, plastic, printer, water

Containers are the answer to a clutter free world

Well, that may be over simplifying it, but containers go a long way when you have an organizing dilemma. Do not go out and just start buying containers thinking then you will be organized. Containers can become clutter too. Here are eleven tips to help you select and use the right container in your home.

Measure the space where you are going to put the container. Measure the height, width and depth. Make a note of the room you will use it in. When you go to the store remember to take these measurements with you. It is so exciting to see all the containers that stores offer you may forget why you are there and buy containers you don’t need.

Consider where it will be used and buy accordingly. If it is going to be out of site, in a storage room or in the garage buy the heavy duty containers rather than those purchased for their looks as well as for their purpose.

Buy containers that can be stacked on top of each other for storage. These would be heavy plastic, or they could be clear plastic bins if heavy items aren’t going to be stored in them.

If you are going to store items like food or water either at home as plastic water storage tanks, drinking water containers, or as an  office water cooler look on the bottom of the container where there is a number in a triangle. Plastic containers with #3 and above are safe to store food items in. Numbers 7 & 8 are best. A plastic container lower than a #3 will leak toxins.

>> Get A Top Drinking Water Filter System Here!

To store china or other breakable dishes use plastic padded containers. They come with dividers for cups as well. After putting the china in the containers then place in a hard plastic tub for extra protection if you plan on moving. The china containers cost about $20.00 for the round ones. There are also boxes ideal for square plates. They sell for about $30.00.

Glass containers are great for the kitchen as they don’t pit and discolor. Glass is not recommended for the bathroom in the tub/shower area because it is breakable.

Linens, quilts, or blankets should not be stored for a long period of time (Over one year) in plastic. There are cloth bags on the market for these items. Plastic sweats which can cause fabric to rot.

Baskets made of bamboo, or wicker are ideal to be used anywhere in the home as they are attractive and functional. They can be cleaned by wiping with a damp cloth. They can be used for magazines, books, crafts, to give as gifts or to package gifts in as part of the gift.

Containers for seasonal storage can be color coded. Red/green for Christmas, pink for Easter/spring, blue for snowmen/winter, red for summer/4th of July, orange/black for Halloween or Thanksgiving. It is easy to pick the right bin for the right holiday when the bins are color coded.

Cloth containers are ideal for clothing, if storing a valuable dress such as a wedding dress, formal or other type of clothing ties rather than a zipper are best as the zipper can rust and it can get on the clothing.

Use containers to organize all drawers from the bedroom to resource drawers. The purpose of containers is to contain-drawers will stay neat and tidy when there are limits to what can go in them and where the item is to stay.

Before buying any container look around your home and see if you can use containers in other ways than originally purchased. Such as; a jar for buttons, a tin that held mints for change in the car, the plastic zippered bag that sheets came in can be used for craft projects, let your imagination run wild. Do not buy a container just because it is cute or pretty. And don’t buy because it is on sale and you think you might be able to use it someday, unless you use it, it has the potential to just become more clutter.

Marilyn Bohn’s Bio

Marilyn is a creative organizer who has been organizing for over 20 years. She is a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers and is working towards becoming a Certified Professional Organizer. Professionally she has been organizing homes and offices for over two years. She holds a bachelors degree in Social Work. She has reared five daughters and currently lives in Utah.

Marilyn invites you to visit her website http://www.marilynbohn.com where you can find free organizing tips and interesting blogs and helpful articles on organizing.

Originally published on SearchWarp.com for Marilyn Bohn Monday, April 07, 2008
Article Source: Eleven Tips to Know Before Buying a Container

Technorati Tags: container, containers, drinking water, office, plastic, storage, tanks, water, water cooler

Plastic is a substance which is becoming more and more common in our society each day. It is inexpensive to produce, easy to mold into virtually any form, can be hard or soft and offers an impressive lifespan.

While plastic offers many benefits it is our inability as a society to effectively recycle plastic combined with its high environmental cost that make it so dangerous.

I Thought We Recycled All Our Used Plastic

While the annual plastic resin production in the United States has been on the rise since the 1970s, in the past 20 years plastic production has doubled, only 3 to 5 percent of plastics are actually recycled. According to a recent best Life Magazine article, we can expect yearly plastic resin production in the United States to reach 120 billion lbs by 2010.

The Problem With Recycling Plastic

While there are seven different types, one being “other,” of plastic that are commonly used – only two have much of a secondary life. At least PET, commonly used in soda bottles, and HDPE, commonly used in milk jugs, offer some sort of real recyclable value.

Doesn’t Plastic Eventually Biodegrade?

The short answer is – “No.” Unlike many other materials plastic does not biodegrade – instead it photodegrades. When plastic photodegrades it breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces of plastic instead of splitting into simpler compounds. In our oceans the small bits of plastic created through photodegradation are actually called mermaid tears or nurdles.

Managing our Plastic Addiction

With new plastic being churned out at an estimated rate of 328 million lbs a day by 2010 – it seems like an overwhelming addiction. How do we manage this addiction? By reducing our usage of plastic and by recycling and reusing the plastic we already have. As consumers we can actively chose products in paper and glass packaging and we can choose not to purchase over-packaged items – this in turn will force manufacturers to make changes.

Understanding Recycling Symbols

Recycling symbols can be separated into two groups; “recycled” and “recyclable.” The use of “recycled” and “recyclable” are both governed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC provides guidelines for their use in the document “Guides for the Use of Environmental Marketing Claims.”

• http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/grnrule/guides980427.htm

While the FTC governs these standards in the United States, on an international level the standards are defined in the ISO 14021: Environmental Labels and Declarations-Self-declared Environmental Claims. You can find the ISO standard here:

• http://www.iso.org/iso/iso_catalogue/catalogue_tc/catalogue_detail.htm? csnumber=34425

Plastic recycling symbols were originally created in 1988 by the Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI). Like the FTC and ISO, SPI provides a guide for proper usage of the symbols.

• http://www.plasticsindustry.org/outreach/recycling/2124.htm

In January 1995, thirty-nine US states adopted legislation requiring the use of the SPI number codes.

Recycled Plastic Symbols and Numbers

Plastic items that have been recycled will bear the recycled symbol on them. The symbol should be as close to the bottom center of the product as possible. Inside the symbol you should find a number which indicates what type of plastic it is. The following is a list of numbers and the types of plastic they indicate:

1. PET/PETE or Polyethylene Terephthalate. PET is a “thermoplastic polymer resin” and is commonly used in synthetic fibers, beverage, food and other liquid containers. PET is also used in both thermoforming applications and engineering resins often in combination with glass fiber. It is considered by some to be “one of the most important raw materials used in man-made fibers.”
2. HDPE or High-density Polyethylene. HDPE is a “polyethylene thermoplastic” made from petroleum. It takes 1.75 kilograms of petroleum in energy and raw materials to make one kilogram of HDPE. With peak petroleum production a reality in our lifetimes should we still be manufacturing new HDPE? Milk jugs are commonly made out of HDPE.
3. PVC/V Poly or Polyvinyl Chloride. PVC is a “thermoplastic polymer” and while it is traditionally thought of as a hard plastic it can be made softer and more flexible. PVC is widely used in construction as it is cheap, durable and easy to assemble. In the hard form PVC is used as vinyl siding, magnetic stripe cards, window profiles, records, pipe, plumbing and conduit fixtures. In soft form it is used in both clothing and upholstery Soft PVC can also be used to make flexible hoses and tubing, flooring, roofing membranes, and electrical cable insulation.
4. LDPE – Low-density Polyethylene. LDPE is a “thermoplastic” made from oil. Similar to HDPE in our current environmental climate should we still be manufacturing new LDPE? LDPE is most commonly used for manufacturing containers. LDPE is used in dispensing bottles, wash bottles, tubing, plastic bags for computer components, and various molded laboratory equipment. The most common use of LDPE is plastic bags.
5. PP – Polypropylene. PP is a “thermoplastic polymer” which is commonly used in packaging, textiles, stationery, plastic parts, lab equipment and loudspeakers . PP is also found in automotive components and polymer banknotes.
6. PS – Polystyrene. PS is an “thermoplastic” made from petroleum. In this way, PS is very similar to both HDTP and LDPE. While solid at room temperature PS, when heated PS melts only to return solid again once it cools. It’s this quality that makes it attractive for a variety of uses such as producing plastic model assembly kits, license plate frames, plastic cutlery, food containers and jewel cases for CDs.
7. Other. Which means the product is made up of plastic resins that are not in the initial six or is some unique combination of the initial six.

Recyclable Symbol

A plastic item that carries a recyclable symbol indicates it is recyclable. The more you properly recycle, the less waste that will end up in our landfills and oceans. Please properly recycle all plastic of this type.

Does Any Symbol Ensure Human Health?

While theses symbols allow you to quickly identify what type of plastic you are dealing with, and they also let you know if you can recycle it – they don’t cover any human health concerns.

For example, let’s consider PS or Polystrene which is used for human food containers and cutlery. What is the health effect for humans when the PS food containers leach chemicals into the food they are carrying through heat exchange? According to the EPA, “Acute (short-term) exposure to styrene in humans results in mucous membrane and eye irritation, and gastrointestinal effects. Chronic (long-term) exposure to styrene in humans results in effects on the central nervous system (CNS), such as headache, fatigue, weakness, and depression, CSN dysfunction, hearing loss, and peripheral neuropathy. Human studies are inconclusive on the reproductive and developmental effects of styrene; several studies did not report an increase in developmental effects in women who worked in the plastics industry, while an increased frequency of spontaneous abortions and decreased frequency of births were reported in another study. Several epidemiologic studies suggest there may be an association between styrene exposure and an increased risk of leukemia and lymphoma. However, the evidence is inconclusive due to confounding factors. EPA has not given a formal carcinogen classification to styrene.”

Are All Plastics Bad?

While there is room for plastic in our world there isn’t room for our present plastic addiction. We are burning through natural resources, creating incredible waste and all the time neglecting to even properly recycle the plastic we’ve already created. Plastic isn’t our only option, depending upon the application, glass is a much greener alternative.

Working together we can actively reduce our plastic consumption and improve our recycling rates. Why waste our valuable natural resources on petroleum based plastics when we can recycle? We created this addiction to plastic together, and we need to work together to free ourselves from it. Remember by reducing, reusing and recycling you are doing your part to fight global warming.

Author: Sam Greyhawk

Sam Greyhawk is an energy efficiency evangelist working with Cool-N-Save(tm), an Energy Star Partner. Cool-N-Save(tm) is a revolutionary new air conditioner add-on can be installed in 10 minutes with no tools required. During the hottest months, your air conditioner can be responsible for up to 90% of your monthly electric bill. The Cool-N-Save(tm) improves air conditioner efficiency by up to 30%. – which translates into real savings for you. Saving energy helps fight global warming and Cool-N-Save(tm) is a cost-effective way to reduce your energy use.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sam_Greyhawk

Recycled Plastic PET Bottle Lights

Here are two creative individuals who have decided to DO something instead of offering lip-service to the term RECYCLE. They use their imagination to craft out the most amazing Recycled Plastic PET Bottle Lights.

Want to Recycle Your Ride

Even if auto plastics are recycled, certain parts of the car will end up in a landfill. But Argonne estimates that recycling just the plastic and metal would represent 24 million barrels of oil saved each year.

PET container group  eco-plastic PLA

The National Association for PET Container Resources (NAPCOR), which represents those who recycle plastic soda and food bottles has fired a criticism at the alternative corn-derivative plastic known as PLA

Technorati Tags: plastics, plastics that can be recycled, recycle, recycled, recycling plastic bottles, what plastics can be recycled, which plastics can be recycled