House Answers

Following is a listing of some the various plastic objects that help to improve our daily lives in the home. Click on any of the following links for a brief description of each item. Also, refer to this section for help in completing the quiz and extension questions found at the end of the house game.

Pillow
Answer: D - All of the above.
Many bedtime comforters and pillows are filled with spun acrylics. Not only do these plastic fibers keep you warm at night, but many are also hypoallergenic. Those who are allergic to certain fibers and materials, such as feather down, can use these hypoallergenic plastic fibers as an alternative, allowing for a good night's sleep.

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Bowl
Answer: D - All of the above.
A popular plastic used in food containers is PETE. This plastic is commonly used in frozen food trays due to the materials' ability to withstand extreme temperatures. Aside from their durable physical properties, plastic food wraps and containers play an important role in helping to protect us against the dangers of foodborne illnesses. Indeed, millions of us use these products everyday to help protect our food against spoilage and contamination - helping to keep us safe and our food fresh longer.

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Inflatable Ball
Talk about a great toy! Inflatable plastic balls are used everyday for countless games and sports. The balls are commonly made with vinyl, a versatile and cost-effective plastic. Vinyl allows the balls to be soft but durable.

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Toothbrush
Answer: B - Animal hair.
Up until the 1920's, people were still using animal hair in their toothbrushes. Thanks to the invention of nylon, animal hair was quickly replaced with the new fiber to make our toothbrushes more effective in fighting tooth decay. You can also find plastics in toothpaste tubes, which help keep the toothpaste fresh and stored safely.

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Sandwich Bag
Food safety is a growing concern among consumers. This year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates that 7 million Americans will be diagnosed with foodborne illnesses. Plastic products are an important part of helping to protect us from the dangers caused by foodborne disease. They work in the grocery store and at home to help prevent disease.

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Compact Disc
Plastics have been an important part of distributing music right from the start. From Peter Goldmark's first 12" vinyl album in 1948, to the modern day compact disc (CD), plastics continue to help people enjoy music. Gone are the days of lugging around a phonograph to enjoy music. Plastics have made music ultra-portable, while quality has improved vastly. Plastics are used to record, package, and safely distribute music worldwide.

CD's are made from a plastic known as polycarbonate, which is also used to create:

impact-resistant eyeglass lenses,

food and beverage containers,

helmets, and

other consumer products.

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Remote Control
People are so accustomed to little luxuries that life without them would be unthinkable. The remote control is a prime example of an amenity that has become a necessity. From remote controls to cell phones, plastics offer lightweight, portable, durable products that bring convenience to our lives.

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Sweater
Answer: D - All of the above.
Polypropylene is often used as an alternative to wool in sweaters and jacket fillings. It can dry up to five times faster than wool, meaning you can stay dry and warm in cold, wet conditions.

Recycled milk jugs are also being used to spin new, dynamic fibers, including polar fleece.

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Shower Curtain
Answer: D - All of the above.
Vinyl shower curtains help keep your shower in your shower. But vinyl is used for more than just shower curtains, it plays a vital role in your everyday life.

Vinyl products can be found in just about every home or business, in hundreds of different applications. Because of the physical nature of this versatile plastic, vinyl can be rigid or flexible, weather or heat resistant, impact resistant, thick or thin, and any color of the rainbow.

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Soda Bottle
The soda bottle is one of the many applications in which you can find the plastic PETE. It is also used for peanut butter jars, juice bottles, and mouthwash bottles. Drinks won't leak through this tough material, and neither will the gas that makes soda fizzy. PETE can be recycled into new bottles and containers, carpet, backpacks, clothing, and more.

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