Thermocol: An Epidemic
From large appliances to tiny gift items, everything comes wrapped in thermocol. This lightweight and cheap substance – also known as expanded polystyrene (EPS) – has obvious advantages as a packaging material. But everyone knows the following ways in which it can affect our environment.
- Non-Biodegradable: Takes hundreds of years to decompose, leading to long-term pollution in landfills and water bodies.
- Harm to Wildlife: Animals often mistake thermocol for food, causing internal injuries or death. Choking hazard for humans.
- Flammable and Toxic: Releases toxic gases like styrene when burned, which are harmful to both humans and the environment.
- Improper Disposal: Often dumped carelessly in cities, clogging drains and polluting rivers.
Students of Gandhi Rashtriya Hindi School, Gawalipura, Nanded (Maharashtra) saw thermocol dumping all around them, destroying their neighbourhood.
So they decided to do something about it.
Petrol + Thermocol = Super Sticky Glue:bulb:
Demo pictures from Rehan Safdar of Gandhi Rashtriya Hindi School, Gawalipura, Nanded (Maharashtra)!
Leakage to be fixed:
Step 1: Gather the Supplies
You’ll need:
- Thermocol – broken down in pieces that can easily fit in a container
- Petrol – at least 200 ml to start with
- A plastic container to mix the thermocol and petrol in
Step 2: Make that Glue!
- Pour a small amount of petrol into the container.
- Gently insert the thermocol pieces into the petrol.
- Watch as the thermocol fizzles and dissolves into the petrol and forms a super sticky glue!
- Once you have a sufficient amount of glue, drain out the extra petrol in another plastic container.
- What remains is our super adhesive and sticky glue!
Step 3: Use the Glue
You can use this thermocol glue to stick together paper, cardboard, plastic, wood, and more!
Simply use this adhesive and allow it to dry completely.
Think of the possibilities.
Fix leakages, broken furniture, AND the environment!
