Question

people use plastic in many things, including packaging, medical supplies, and clothing. wind, water, and rain carry plastic waste into large groups. these groups of plastic have negative impacts on the environment. which method will best help monitor the environmental impacts of plastic?
a. collect data on changes to the price of plastic over time
b. research alternatives to plastic that people used in the past
c. survey people about the ways that they use plastic most often
d. regularly count the number of pieces of plastic in a specific natural area

Explanation:

To monitor environmental impacts of plastic, we need a method that directly relates to plastic's presence in the environment.

• Option A: Plastic price data doesn't reflect environmental impact.
• Option B: Researching past alternatives doesn't monitor current plastic impacts.
• Option C: Surveying plastic use habits shows usage but not environmental impact (like pollution).
• Option D: Regularly counting plastic pieces in a specific area directly measures plastic pollution, which is a key environmental impact.

Answer:

D. Regularly count the number of pieces of plastic in a specific natural area