What do these recycling numbers actually mean? - Shannon Odell

Dig into the biggest problems facing our current plastic recycling process, and explore potential solutions to these systems.

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If youve ever looked at the bottom of a disposable bottle or cup, youve probably noticed a recycling symbol. Seeing this, many people assume the item should be put in a recycling bin. Yet many plastics are incapable of being recycled at most centers. In fact, only 9% is recycled each year. So why are so few plastics recycled? And what do these symbols actually mean? Shannon Odell investigates.

Lesson by Shannon Odell, directed by Yuval Haker, Alon Sivan.

This video made possible in collaboration with Speed & Scale
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A special thanks to Rebecca Altman who provided information and insights for the development of this video.

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View full lesson: https://ed.ted.com/lessons/does-recycling-your-plastic-actually-work-shannon-odell
Dig deeper with additional resources: https://ed.ted.com/lessons/does-recycling-your-plastic-actually-work-shannon-odell#digdeeper

Animator's website: https://yuvalhaker.com & https://www.alonsiv.com
Music: http://danaroth.art/index.html
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