Indicates sessions with recordings available.
Recycling Used Agricultural Plastics (Workshop) *CEU Approved
Present an overview of the recycling of agricultural plastics, tips on how to participate in recycling programs, and an evaluation of non-recycling options. An extended period of discussion will be included following the presentations.
The use of plastics in agriculture has greatly enhanced productivity and the economic livelihood of farmers and ranchers throughout the world. This is especially true of horticulturalists, as we attempt to provide food for the expanding world population. These agricultural plastics include plastic mulch films, greenhouse plastics, bale and silage wraps, nursery containers, etc.
However, the success story of Plasticulture has been blemished by the failure to find and utilize means to dispose of these materials in a manner that does not harm the environment.
In this workshop we will look at this problem. We will talk about the unsustainable aspects of disposal, such as field burning and landfilling. And we will talk about avenues that exist and are being developed to give more sustainable solutions to the disposal of plastics from agriculture and tips on how to support and participate in recycling efforts.
An extended period of time for discussion has been allotted at the end of the session .