July 21, 2016
NEWS RELEASE
Plastics Can Help You Save Water This Summer—And All Year Long
Toronto, ON, July 21, 2016 - The temperature isn’t the only thing rising during
summertime – so is outdoor water use. And water waste.
Homeowners typically use 30 to 70 percent of their water outdoors, depending on the
region.
Unfortunately, not all of that water winds up where we intend. Experts estimate that 50
percent of the water we use outdoors goes to waste from evaporation, wind, or runoff
due to overwatering.
Plastics Can Make Watering More Efficient
Fortunately, some water saving technologies made possible by plastics can deliver
water more precisely – while maintaining or transforming yards and gardens.
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Drip Irrigation Systems: Drip irrigation systems use thin, flexible drip tubing—
typically made with polyethylene plastic—that is laid on the ground near plants.
Water is meted out from tiny holes in the tubing. A much more precise method than
typical sprinklers, drip irrigation can reduce evaporation and runoff and deliver
water more directly to plants’ roots. Due to polyethylene’s flexibility, drip irrigation
systems can be used for irrigating irregularly shaped or narrow areas and shaped
to the contours of landscaped areas.
Plastic Soaker Hoses: A plastic soaker hose – typically made with polyvinyl
chloride plastic (PVC, or vinyl) – delivers water conservatively to roots and plants.
The plastic hose is filled with water that then seeps through thousands of tiny holes
along the length of the hose, allowing for efficient watering. Gardeners often layer
mulch over the plastic hose to further focus the water on the roots.
Plastics Catch Water from the Sky
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Rain Barrels: A homeowner can source water from the roof with plastic rain
barrels, large, durable containers that can last a long time in harsh outdoor
elements. They’re typically made of vinyl or polyethylene – and even recycled
plastics. The barrels collect and store rain from a home’s gutters – the rain later can
be used to water outdoor areas. Plastic rain barrels can reduce your home’s overall
water use, which can help you reduce money spent on monthly water bills—so they
can be environment- and budget-friendly.
Water-Saving Lawns and Play Areas
Some homeowners are taking water conservation a step further by eliminating all or
parts of their lawn, replacing it with innovative landscapes made with plastics that
require little or no water. For example…
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Synthetic Lawns: Modern synthetic (plastic) grass and lawns are nothing like the
flat carpeting of yesteryear. Similar to synthetic turf in sports stadiums that has
been used for decades, the individual blades of grass are made from plastics such
as polyethylene, polypropylene and nylon – even recycled plastics – that mimic the
soft but sturdy texture of natural grass. The plastic turf eliminates the need for
watering, although homeowners may use a hose to clean them occasionally.
Playground Rubber Mulch: Did you know that 70 percent of rubber used in tires
today is synthetic rubber – that is, plastic? Rubber mulch typically is made from
worn out, unusable tires that are chopped into cushioning mulch or reformatted into
durable mats. The material provides a soft surface for play areas that requires little
maintenance, is made from recycled plastics, and needs no watering – all of which
lighten the environmental load of this lawn option.
What about the Pool?
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Pool Covers: Evaporation can rob pools of lots of water. Plastic pool covers—
made with plastics, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or vinyl—provide a barrier
between the water and air to help reduce water lost to evaporation. Some plastic
pool covers even act as electricity-free solar water heaters by trapping heat from
the sun, much like a greenhouse. So plastic pool covers can help save both pool
water and heating costs.
Today's intelligent plastics are vital to the modern world. These materials enhance our
lifestyles, our economy and the environment. For more information visit
www.intelligentplastics.ca.
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For More Information:
Darlene Gray
Canadian Plastics Industry Association
905.678.7748 ext. 239