The Story of a Plastic Bottle

The Story of a Plastic Bottle map journal from the "DCPS Recycles! School Waste Story Map" series. Have you ever wondered where plastic comes from or how plastic bottles are made? Many of your favorite drinks and snacks are probably packaged in a plastic jar or bottle. Plastic is great for keeping food and drinks like peanut butter and juice fresh. At the same time, plastic is a major pollutant of our oceans and waterways—over 8 million metric tons of plastic enter our oceans each year, and it is estimated that by 2050 there will be more plastic by weight in our ocean than fish.

Have you ever wondered what plastic is made out of? How did it get to your lunchroom, and what happens when you discard it?

The DCPS Recycles! program is designed to fulfill legal requirements; improve building operations; reduce waste of money and natural resources; achieve the SustainableDC target of zero waste by 2032; and teach DCPS students values and skills for a sustainable 21st century. The goal is to sort all waste properly so as much as possible can be composted or recycled instead of sent to a landfill or incinerator! Agency Website.