Question

the production and use of plastic bags has an environmental impact. the high - density polyethylene (hdpe) used in plastic bags is made from ethylene. the process of burning fossil fuels to make ethylene emits the largest amount of carbon dioxide in the chemical industry. plastic bags, although sturdy, are so lightweight that they can easily fly away! discarded plastic bags can be found on land and in rivers, lakes, and oceans. some animals may get tangled in plastic bags, while other animals may eat them. plastic bags eaten by an animal may block its digestive tract, leading to illness and death. since plastic bags are so sturdy, they do not break down easily in the environment. how has the production of ethylene and its use in plastic bags impacted society? select all that apply. plastic bags are a low - cost way to transport goods. the process of making ethylene from fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide into earths atmosphere. after a plastic bag tears, it will quickly break down in the environment. plastic bags can be dangerous to animals when they are found in rivers, in oceans, and on land.

Explanation:

1. The text states that making ethylene from fossil - fuels releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which is an environmental impact relevant to society.
2. It also mentions that plastic bags found in rivers, oceans, and on land can be dangerous to animals, which is another societal impact as it affects the ecosystem. The statement about plastic bags being a low - cost way to transport goods is not an impact of ethylene production and use on society in the context of the environmental and animal - related impacts discussed. And the statement that plastic bags quickly break down after tearing is false according to the text.

Answer:

The process of making ethylene from fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide into Earth’s atmosphere.
Plastic bags can be dangerous to animals when they are found in rivers, in oceans, and on land.