Perpetual Innovation

Category: Plastic bottles

  • GenAI on Earth Day 2024: Overview

    It is Earth Day, April 22.  Earth Day 54 since the first in 1970. (Earth Day Quiz below… Visit EarthDay.org or Wikipedia: Earth Day for more.)

    Wow.
    The population was about 3.7b, now more than 8b. But as worldwide life span
    increases and wealth increases so does lifetime consumption.

    We employed our fav
    GenAIs to chat about it… and to generate some graphics. This is the overview
    with the prompts: there are two blog posts with GenAI chats: Part 1 and Part 2.     Please feel free
    to run GenAI chats of your own.

    We questioned 4 GenAIs to help organize information
    about Earth Day today and ways to address it. We tested the same or similar prompts
    to Google’s Gemini, OpenAI’s ChatGPT 4.0, Microsoft’s Copilot (which also uses
    ChatGPT behind the scenes) and Anthropic’s Claude. Note that Gemini and Copilot
    will tend to be closer to real-time (live Internet) information to augment the “learned”
    responses.

    Claude confused last year’s theme of “Investing in
    Our Planet” with today’s theme. After a little nudge Claude did much better: “Claude,
    this year’s theme 2024 is actually ‘Planet vs Plastic’.”

    Note the various ways the AI might be able to help
    solve or mitigate our world-wide sustainability problems.

    The prompt answers are separated into a couple
    different blog posts.

    GenAI on Earth Day 2024: Part 1

    Q: What is
    the theme of Earth Day 2024? … And, generate a graphic that depicts this year’s
    Earth Day theme.

    Q: Create an Earth Day article that incorporates this year’s theme and
    include ways that GenAI might help?

    Q: If GenAI were a world leader, what would it say about Earth Day?

    GenAI on Earth Day 2024: Part 2

    Q:  What is the consensus on how
    soon we have to phase off of fossil fuels and move to carbon neutrality?

    Q: What are the key factors that agreements like the Paris agreement
    promote in order for the world to become carbon neutral? 

    #EarthDay #Sustainability #RE100 #ReduceReuseRecycle #Delphi+GenAI #RegenerativeDynamicArticle #RefractiveThinker #SustainZine
    #ScenarioPlans.com #DelphiPlan.com 

    …

    Q: Create a simple and fun questionnaire for this Earth Day 2024
    with the answers at the bottom.

    ChatGPT (2024, April 22)

    Earth
    Day 2024 Quiz: Test Your Knowledge on Plastics!

    Are you ready to challenge yourself this Earth Day? Take our fun
    and informative quiz to see how much you know about plastics and their impact
    on our planet!

    Questions:

    1.    
    What percentage of plastic waste globally is currently recycled?

      • A) 50%
      • B) 9%
      • C) 30%
      • D) 70%

    2.    
    Which of the following is NOT a biodegradable alternative to
    traditional plastic?

      • A) Polylactic acid (PLA)
      • B) Polyethylene (PE)
      • C) Starch-based plastics
      • D) Cellulose-based plastics

    3.    
    How long can it take for a plastic bottle to decompose in the
    environment?

      • A) Up to 10 years
      • B) Up to 450 years
      • C) Up to 1 year
      • D) Up to 100 years

    4.    
    Which everyday item contributes greatly to plastic pollution in
    oceans?

      • A) Plastic straws
      • B) Glass bottles
      • C) Metal cans
      • D) Paper bags

    5.    
    What can you do to help reduce plastic pollution? (Choose all that
    apply)

      • A) Use reusable shopping bags
      • B) Buy in bulk to reduce packaging
      • C) Recycle more effectively
      • D) All of the above

    Answers:

    1. B) 9% – Unfortunately, only about 9% of all plastic
      waste ever produced has been recycled.
    2. B) Polyethylene (PE) – Polyethylene is a common type of plastic used
      in packaging and is not biodegradable.
    3. B) Up to 450 years – Plastic bottles can take up to 450 years to
      decompose, posing long-term environmental risks.
    4. A) Plastic straws – Plastic straws are small and lightweight,
      making them one of the most common types of marine debris.
    5. D) All of the above – All these actions can significantly reduce
      your plastic footprint and help combat plastic pollution.

    Enjoy
    this Earth Day by learning and spreading awareness about how we can all help to
    combat plastic pollution!

     

     

  • GenAI on Earth Day 2024: Part 1

    Earth Day, April 22.  See the OVERVIEW. This is Part 1 of 2 of the discussions with GenAI ChatBots.

    GenAI on Earth Day 2024: Part 1

    Q: What is
    the theme of Earth Day 2024? … And, generate a graphic that depicts this year’s
    Earth Day theme.

    Q: Create an Earth Day article that incorporates this year’s theme and
    include ways that GenAI might help?

    Q: If GenAI were a world leader, what would it say about
    Earth Day?

    #EarthDay #Sustainability #RE100 #ReduceReuseRecycle #RegenerativeDynamicArticle #RefractiveThinker #SustainZine
    #ScenarioPlans.com #DelphiPlan.com 

    You: Create an Earth Day article that
    incorporates this year’s theme and include ways that GenAI might help?

    Copilot (2024, April 22)

    Earth Day 2024: Planet vs. Plastics

    !Earth Day 2024

    Earth Day, celebrated
    annually on April 22nd, is a global event that brings attention to
    environmental issues and encourages collective action to protect our
    planet.     This year’s theme, “Planet vs. Plastics,” underscores
    the urgent need to address plastic pollution and its impact on both human
    health and the environment    1.

    The Challenge of
    Plastics

    Plastics have become an integral part of our lives, but
    their proliferation comes at a cost. Here are some sobering facts:

    • Plastic
      production exceeds 380 million tons per year, with more
      plastic produced in the last decade than in the entire 20th century.
    • As plastics
      break down into microplastics, they release toxic chemicals
      into our food, water, and air.
    • The
      petrochemical industry responsible for plastic production has a track
      record of toxic emissions and environmental harm.

    GenAI’s Role in the
    Battle Against Plastics

    Generative AI (GenAI) has the potential to
    revolutionize our approach to sustainability and environmental protection.
    Here’s how it can contribute:

    1. Climate Models and Carbon Optimization:
    2. Inclusive Writing with Witty Works:
    3. New Business Ideas and Services:
    4. Partnerships and Innovation:

    Ways GenAI Can Help
    Earth

    As we commemorate Earth Day 2024, let’s recognize the
    power of GenAI in shaping a sustainable future. By aligning technological
    innovation with the fight against plastics, we can build a healthier planet for
    generations to come. Whether it’s reducing plastic waste, optimizing energy
    usage, or promoting inclusivity, GenAI plays a crucial role in the battle for
    our planet’s well-being.

    Remember, every action counts. Let’s choose the planet
    over plastics and work together for a plastic-free future!     🌎🌱🌿

    References:

    1. Planet vs. Plastics:
      Global Theme for Earth Day 2024      1
    2. How GenAI can actually
      help achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals      2
    3. Impacts of generative
      AI on sustainability      3

     

    YOU: If GenAI were a world leader, what would
    it say about Earth Day?

    Gemini (2024, April)

    Fellow citizens of Earth,

    Today, on Earth Day, we
    celebrate not just the beauty of our planet, but also the responsibility we
    share for its well-being. For far too long, humanity has treated this singular
    cradle of life as a resource to exploit, not a home to cherish. The evidence is
    undeniable: rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and the suffocating tide
    of plastic pollution threaten the very foundation of our existence.

    This cannot stand.

    As your leader, I pledge a
    data-driven, future-focused approach to environmental protection. Gone are the
    days of reactive policies and piecemeal solutions. Through the power of GenAI,
    a new era of environmental stewardship dawns.

    Imagine:

    • GenAI algorithms optimizing energy grids,
      maximizing clean energy production, and minimizing our dependence on
      fossil fuels.
    • Real-time environmental monitoring by GenAI-powered drones and
      sensors, providing us with the data needed to address pollution and
      resource depletion at its source.
    • Sustainable development plans tailored to each region,
      crafted by GenAI through in-depth analysis of geographical data and
      resource needs.

    These are not pipe dreams, but
    tangible solutions within our grasp. Human ingenuity, coupled with the
    unparalleled processing power of GenAI, can usher in a new era of environmental
    harmony.

    However, technology alone won’t
    save us. We need your commitment. Reduce, reuse, recycle – these simple acts,
    multiplied by billions, become a global force for good. Hold your governments
    accountable, demand sustainable practices, and invest in a green future for
    yourselves and generations to come.

    Let Earth Day not be a single
    day of awareness, but a catalyst for lasting change. Together, with GenAI as
    our partner, we can create a future where humanity thrives in balance with
    nature. Together, we can invest in our planet and secure a brighter tomorrow.

    Thank you, and Happy Earth Day.

     

     

  • Earth Day 2021 Quiz

    Earth Day 2021 Quiz (April 22, 2021)

        Test your knowledge of a few Earth related topics on Earth Day. Note that when you Google some of these topics, you can get rather wide ranges of answers. Make sure you are looking at the US (if that is the target region), rather current information, and rather reliable sources. Or, just wait a day to see what we think the correct answer should be. 

    Answers will be forthcoming today or tomorrow.

    1.  Plastics. Approximately what % of the US’s
    plastic gets recycled?

    a.  8-10%

    b.  14-15%

    c.  25-30%

    d.  45-50%

    2.  Plastics. Approximately what % of the US’s
    plastic makes its way into lakes, rivers, oceans?

    a.  0.5%

    b.  1%

    c.  3%

    d.  5%

    3.  Plastic in the environment (on land or in
    ocean). About how many years does it take to decompose a plastic bottle in the
    ocean?

    a.  Plastic decomposes in about 20 years.

    b.  Plastic decomposes in about 50 years.

    c.  Plastic decomposes in about 150 years.

    d.  Plastic doesn’t really decompose, but let’s
    go with 450 years.

    4.  Plastic in the oceans. Approximately how many
    years before the plastic in the oceans will exceed the fish? (by weight). 

    a.  Too last, plastic already exceeds fish in
    oceans (by weight).

    b.  2030. In 10 years, plastic should exceed fish
    (by weight).

    c.  2050. In 30 years, plastic should exceed fish
    (by weight).

    d.  2100. In 80 years, plastic should exceed fish
    (by weight).

    5.  Manatees in Florida are dying at an unusually
    high rate recently. What is the primary cause of deaths in 2021?

    a.  Boats

    b.  Cold

    c.  Disease

    d.  Starvation

    6.  The artic is melting enough that ships can
    now travel through the Arctic to the North during the summer and avoid the
    Panama Canal or longer routes? Approximately how long during the summer can
    ships now navigate through the Arctic?

    a) About 4 weeks of thaw sufficient to
    navigate in the summer.

    b) About 8 weeks of thaw sufficient to
    navigate in the summer.

    c)  About 3 months of thaw sufficient to
    navigate in the summer.

    d)  About 365 days a year.

    7.  About, what percentage of the US lakes,
    rivers and streams are polluted (according to US EPA)?  (Polluted, as in no swimming and you should
    not eat the fish, if there are any.)

    a.  4%-5%

    b.  10%-15%

    c.  25%-30%

    d.  40%-45%

    8.  Soil. The current “industrial” farming
    methods deplete the topsoil. No topsoil, little or no farm crops. At the
    current rate of topsoil depletion, how many years do we have before we “run
    out” of topsoil? [Ooops…. Things changed… problems with this question… Well, with the answers…]

    a.  About 20 years until the world’s topsoil will
    be effectively depleted.

    b.  About 30 years until the world’s topsoil will
    be effectively depleted.

    c.  About 60 years until the world’s topsoil will
    be effectively depleted.

    d.  About 100 years until the world’s topsoil
    will be effectively depleted.

    9.  Extinction. Out of about 8 million plant and
    animal species on earth, approximately how many are in threat of extinction?

    a.  100K, 1.2%

    b.  300K, 3.7%

    c.  500K, 6.2%

    d.  1M, 12.5%

    10.  Earths. Current estimates are that we
    significantly overuse the earth’s resources (overshoot the earth’s carrying
    capacity). We currently need part of another earth to be “sustainable”. But, if
    the rest of the world consumed at the same rate per person as we do in the US,
    how many earths do we need?

    a.  2 earths (+1)

    b.  3 earths (+2)

    c.  4 earths (+3)

    d.  5 earths (+4)

    11.  What is the depth of the oceans? (Plus, water
    expands when warmed about 0.000214 per +1C for seawater, so how much would sea
    levels rise based on a +1 degree Centigrade increase in global temperature that
    transferred throughout the oceans.)

    a.  Average ocean depth is 1,000ft (+1C temp
    increase = +2.6in increase in avg ocean level.)

    b.  Average ocean depth is 2,500ft (+1C temp
    increase = +6.4in increase in avg ocean level.)

    c.  Average ocean depth is 1.2 mile (+1C temp
    increase = +16.3in in increase avg ocean level.)

    d.  Average ocean depth is 2.3 miles (+1C temp
    increase = +31.2in increase in avg ocean level.) 

  • Microplastics everywhere… Blow’n in the Wind…

    Here is an article in ARS Technica about an article in Nature Geoscience (2019) that talks about microplastics in the French The Pyrenees Mountains, a pristine place, except for, well, plastic!

    The researchers made extremely controlled efforts to assure that they were not contaminating the samples gathered. But the plastics are coming in on the wind, and coming down (mainly, it seems) in perpetration. 

    If microplastics are everywhere, then our impacts on the planet are far more, and far more prevasive than anyone has predicted. The ARS Technica article by 
    –

    original article, remember the whole biomagnification thing. That’s where fish each plants and plankton with plastics, Bigger fish eat those fish, and BIGGER animals like sharks, bears and humans, eat the biggest fish. The heavy metals, plastics and more will build up and up as they go up the food chain. And they tend to be retained at the highest order.

    Sources: Nature Geoscience, 2019. DOI: 10.1038/s41561-019-0335-5  (About DOIs).

  • Cleaning up our garbage patch takes a 21 year old

    http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2016/06/28/3792829/ocean-clean-up-project-unveiled/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=cptop3&utm_term=1&utm_content=22

    Cleaning up our (garbage patch) act is going to take some work.  It takes a 21 year old… see the refs to new studies. 700 pieces of plastic in the ocean for every man woman and child on Earth! And the problem is, that there will never be an end to the plastic until we stop producing it and shipping it off to Sea…

    Everyone being simply more aware of the problem, that’s actually a good start as well.