Plastic and rubber are probably the two most common materials used in manufacturing today. The introduction of these materials into industry has contributed to the skyrocketing amount of these types of products available. Here are some miscellaneous plastic and rubber products and some of the pros and cons of these products.

One of the main advantages of any type of plastic product is that it is easy to clean. Plastic’s slick, non-porous surface allows spills or dirt to be quickly wiped up. Another advantage of this material is that the production process is relatively simple and inexpensive, meaning that plastic products are almost always less expensive than the same item of a different material. The two biggest disadvantages of plastic are: the chemicals in some types of plastic may have health risks and; traditional plastic does not biodegrade, making this material one of the most prevalent in landfills.

Rubber, unlike plastic, is a natural substance derived by heating the sap (latex) of many different trees, but most notably, the rubber tree. The resulting material is hard, yet elastic, and is used to make everything from bouncy-balls to automobile belts and hoses. Rubber’s elastic qualities are an advantage, but a disadvantage is that rubber will rot over time.

Miscellaneous plastic and rubber products fill our homes, our cars, our workplaces, and almost any other place imaginable. Learning as much as you can about the proper ways to care for and dispose of these products will help you to become a responsible consumer.