Page 5 - Take a Closer Look at Oil

When it runs out,
Short pull quote
there is no more.

Chances are something nearby is made of Oil is a nonrenewable resource. When it runs

plastic. It’s everywhere, and for good reasons. out, there is no more. As the supply shrinks, it
Plastic is convenient. It’s versatile. And it’s becomes harder to reach. It also becomes more

inexpensive. Many things that used to be made expensive. No one knows how long the oil that
of glass, metal, or leather now come in plastic. remains will last.

Walk down the aisles in a grocery store. You’ll Burning petroleum products gives off gases.

see shelves full of plastic jars, bags, and bottles. Carbon dioxide is the main greenhouse gas. It
Peanut butter and jelly. Catsup and mustard. traps the sun’s heat, which warms the planet.

Yogurt and cheese. Bread, grapes, and salad Other toxic emissions cause cancer and other
greens. You can see them through clear plastic. serious health problems. Workers face health

Milk in a plastic jug is light and easy to pour. risks.
And less food is wasted because it stays fresh
Water left over from fracking and drilling
longer. Your shopping cart might be plastic, too!
is injected into the ground. Oil removal has
At home, toddlers drink from sturdy plastic eased. The number of earthquakes in some
incr
cups. Dolls, blocks, and tub duckies are plastic. areas has risen, too. Scientists are studying the
Blenders and coff ee makers have plastic parts. connection.

Plastic keeps picnic food cool in coolers. Car
Finding oil is no guarantee of prosperity.
seats, bike helmets, and air bags all help keep
In Nigeria, for example, oil pollutes land, air,
us safe. Magazines in the mail? Plastic bags
and water. Oil companies profi t. So does the
protect their covers.
government. Many people still live in poverty.

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