Crude oil is a finite resource (finite resources like crude oil, are limited and will eventually run out), that provides plastics, fuels and important chemicals essential in modern industries and everyday life.

PLASTICS
Crude oil, hydrocarbon components such as Naphtha, is the basic raw material for manufacturing plastics.

Packaging: Bottles, containers, and wrapping materials.
Construction: Pipes, insulation, and fittings.
Electronics: Casings, wiring, and components.
Healthcare: Medical equipment, such as syringes and IV bags.

Plastics are lightweight, durable, and adaptable, making them indispensable across industries.

FUELS
A large percentage of crude oil is distilled (refined) into vital fuels.

Petrol (referred to as gasoline in the USA): Used in cars and other vehicles.
Diesel: Provides the fuel for lorries and trucks, buses, and some machinery.
Jet Fuel: The fuel for aeroplanes, for both commercial fights and the military.
Heating Oil: Is an important fuel for heating homes and business during winter.

Fuels derived from crude oil are essential for transportation, energy and heating.

CHEMICALS
Crude oil serves as the starting point for the production of chemicals.

Fertilizers: Are vital for modern agriculture and food production.
Pharmaceuticals: Quite often chemicals derived from oil are the raw materials for many medicines and drugs.
Detergents: Cleaning agents for homes and industries.
Paints and Finishes: Are used to protect and improve the look of surfaces.

These chemicals play a role in almost every product we use.

The environmental impacts of plastics and fuels are many and varied.

PLASTICS
Pollution: Plastics contribute to massive environmental pollution as they are non-biodegradable. They accumulate in landfills, oceans, and ecosystems, harming wildlife that may ingest or become entangled in plastic waste.
Microplastics: Over time, plastics break into tiny particles, called microplastics, which contaminate water sources, soil, and even the air, posing risks to both animals and humans.
Carbon Emissions: The production and disposal of plastics release greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, which contribute to climate change.

FUELS
Air Pollution: Burning fuels like petrol, diesel, and coal emits harmful substances such as carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides. These pollutants worsen air quality and contribute to respiratory diseases.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Fuels release significant amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2), a major greenhouse gas responsible for global warming and climate change.
Oil Spills: The extraction and transportation of crude oil can result in spills, devastating marine and coastal ecosystems and causing long-term environmental damage.

Both plastics and fuels derived from crude oil, have a negative impact on ecosystems, human health and the global climate. Changing over to sustainable alternatives (called transitioning) and reducing our reliance on these materials, is crucial to alleviate their harmful effects.