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b. 1 dan 3
c. 2 dan 4
d. 4
e. 1, 2, 3, dan 4
Jawaban: b. 1 dan 3
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Text 1
In 2010, researchers estimated that 8 billion kg of plastic entered the ocean in a single year, and that number would sharply increase by 2025. When it enters the ocean, plastic waste disrupts marine ecosystems, travels to central locations, and forms a trash island which can cover an area of more than 1.6 million square km. These plastics never degrade, but rather break up into smaller sizes. They eventually become microplastics that stay in the environment for hundreds of years.
Scientists at the University of California San Diego have invented a new biodegradable material that is designed to replace the commonly used plastics. The material started to biodegrade in seawater within four weeks. The team found that various marine organisms colonize the material and break it into nutrients for their consumption.
The research of this new plastic is joined by experts in biology, chemistry, and marine science. They have shown that it is possible to make durable plastics that also can degrade in the ocean. Plastics should not be going into the ocean in the first place. But now, if they do, this new plastic can become food for microorganisms and not harmful trash.
Text 2
Plastic is everywhere and important to the growth of many industries, such as packaging, building, and automotive. About 83.5 persen of consumer products rely on plastic in some ways. Food without plastic packaging would spoil long before it reaches consumers’ fridges. PVC pipes made of plastic are an essential building part that reduce leakage and corrosion to conserve water and energy. Plastics make cars dramatically lighter, which increases fuel efficiency.
Researchers have been working to improve the plastic recycling process since it was realized that plastic was harming the environment. Recycling plastic not only helps the environment and reduces trash, but it also creates more jobs. The recycling sector generates up to 30 times more jobs than the common disposal sector. In fact, Tellus Institute reports that over 1.5 million new jobs would be created if the national recycling rate could be increased to 75 persen.
Modern recycling techniques can transform plastic into more useful products. Some experts have seen the opportunity to make jet fuel from plastic. However, even a simple recycling strategy has commercial benefits. Over 3 million plastic bottles have already been converted into pillow fillers by IHG Hotels & Resorts. Customers are happy to sleep well and use a product that benefits the environment, according to IHG. And it is all thanks to plastic.