4.2.10 - Sustainability & Plant Materials

Question 1

Describe Sustainability
(2 Points)

Answer 1

~ Using resources in a way that meets the needs of the present generation, without depleting the resources for future generations.

~ Requiring the use of renewable resources.

Question 2

What Is Meant By ‘Sustainable Practises’?
(2 Points)

Answer 2

~ Those that minimise the damage done to the environment and its resources, to ensure there will be something left for the next generation.

~ E.g. Replanting trees.

Question 3

Describe Plant Fibres & Sustainability
(6 Points)

Answer 3

~ Using plant fibres to make products such as ropes and fabrics, is more sustainable than using oil-based plastics.

~ Less fossil fuels will be used, and plants can be replaced for future generations.

~ Plant fibres are biodegradable, unlike most oil-based plastics.

~ Extracting and processing oils is expensive and difficult, compared to growing and processing plants.

~ Making plant based products is easier and cheaper.

~ But, the ropes made from plant fibres are typically not as strong as plastic ones.

Question 4

Describe Starch & Sustainability
(5 Points)

Answer 4

~ Plants store excess sugars as starch in their cells.

~ Starch can be used to make bioplastics, which is more sustainable than making oil-based plastics.

~ Doesn’t require as much fossil fuels to be burned and the crop plants can be replanted.

~ Starch can be used to make bioethanol, can be used as fuel for vehicles.

~ Using starch to produce biofuels is more sustainable than producing them from oil.