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Question: 8 of 45

Studies suggest that more than 9 billion metric tons of plastic have been produced since 1950, more than four times the volume of Mt. Everest, and about 75% of it remains in landfills or has entered the environment as pollution. As a material, plastic has many advantages. However, it is difficult to recycle because popular single-use and convenience items, such as packaging and water bottles, are low in quality and value when recycled.

Part of the magic of plastic is that it seemingly lasts forever. But when it cannot be re-used efficiently, it leads to stark realities like an island of plastic, twice the size of Texas, floating in the Pacific Ocean. Plastic is consumed by fish and birds and is seeping into the air, water, and our food

Stimulus: 1 of 2

Based on evidence from the passage, which of the following is the most likely inference?

• If we increased production of single-use plastic packaging, more plastic would be recycled.
• Plastic makes life convenient, but its use has so many cons that its use should be reduced.
• The best thing about plastic is that it is recyclable, a renewable resource.
• Most of the plastic that has been produced has been recycled.

Plastic makes life convenient, but its use has so many cons that its use should be reduced