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Plastics in the Animal Care Industry

Plastics in the animal industry

Plastic is a versatile and durable material used in the animal industry, from feed bags, packaging, clothing and PPE to less obvious arena surfaces. However, these plastics can occasionally escape into the environment, getting into our soil, rivers and eventually our sea. The Environment Agency has put together some useful lessons. Follow the links below to the Countryside Classroom website to view them.

Lesson 1: Plastics used in the animal care industry – lesson 1 | Teaching Resources | Countryside Classroom
This resource is the first part of a series of three looking at sources and impacts of plastic pollution as well as possible solutions and good waste management practice. Each lesson contains a powerpoint with activities included.
This resource will:
1. Describe different types of plastics used in the animal industry
2. Describe the different pathways of plastic into our environment
3. Explain the impact of plastic pollution on wildlife and our environment

 Lesson 2: Plastics used in the animal care industry – lesson 2 | Teaching Resources | Countryside Classroom

This resource is the second part of a series of three designed looking at sources and impacts of plastic pollution as well as possible solutions and good waste management practice. Each lesson contains a powerpoint with activities included.
This resource will:
1. Explain the environmental impact of plastic use

  1. Describe how plastics are used in the animal industry
  2. Examine arena surfaces as a case study

Lesson 3: Plastics used in the animal care industry – lesson 3 | Teaching Resources | Countryside Classroom

This resource is the third part of a series of three designed looking at sources and impacts of plastic pollution as well as possible solutions and good waste management practice. Each lesson contains a powerpoint with activities included.

  1. Describe the waste hierarchy
  2. Apply the waste hierarchy to the animal industry
  3. Outline waste regulation using examples of good waste management, and waste crime as a consequence of poor waste management