Paying with plastic
A Have you ever accidentally destroyed a banknoteby putting it in the washing machine? Newtechnology could soon put an end to this problem,because the future of banknotes is plastic. Plasticbanknotes are already used in several countriesaround the world, but are relatively new to Europe.The advantages of notes made of a plastic calledpolymer are that they are cleaner, they last longer,and they are more secure against fraud, whilstretaining the traditional appearance of paper notes.
B Polymer banknotes do cost more to produce, butas they are expected to last at least 2.5 times longerthan paper notes, governments will save moneylong-term. Their disadvantages include being harderto fold, and they can also be slippery and difficult tocount. However, they can include a transparentsection which will help to reduce fraud, andcountries that have introduced plastic notes haveseen a reduction in the number of fake notes in use.
C In terms of environmental concerns, plastic notesmight not seem like a step forward, but studies haveshown that throughout their lives, plastic notes haveless environmental impact than ‘paper’ notes.‘Paper’ notes are in fact largely made of cotton,which requires a lot of water and chemicals to grow.Plastic notes can be recycled at the end of theirlives. Australia, which was the first country to switchto completely plastic notes, recycles them into plantpots. Unfortunately though, not all countries willhave the facilities to do this.
D If you need more advantages, plastic notes alsodon’t absorb moisture and sweat like paper notes,making them tougher and more hygienic. Andalthough washing them is not recommended, theywill survive a wash if you accidentally leave them inyour jeans!
1Read the text and choose the correct answers. (6 marks)
1Plastic banknotes are ...
A not yet in use anywhere in the world.
B already widely used in Europe and around theworld.
C likely to be introduced in more and morecountries
2Which of the following is not an advantage of plastic banknotes to governments?
A Their initial production cost is lower.
B They save governments money over theirlifetime.
C It is more difficult to produce fake notes.
3Which statement is true regarding theenvironmental impact of plastic banknotes?
A Plastic banknotes are more environmentall yfriendly than you might think.
B Plastic banknotes are less good for theenvironment than paper notes.
C Plastic banknotes will be recyclable whereverthey are used
A Have you ever accidentally destroyed a banknoteby putting it in the washing machine? Newtechnology could soon put an end to this problem,because the future of banknotes is plastic. Plasticbanknotes are already used in several countriesaround the world, but are relatively new to Europe.The advantages of notes made of a plastic calledpolymer are that they are cleaner, they last longer,and they are more secure against fraud, whilstretaining the traditional appearance of paper notes.
B Polymer banknotes do cost more to produce, butas they are expected to last at least 2.5 times longerthan paper notes, governments will save moneylong-term. Their disadvantages include being harderto fold, and they can also be slippery and difficult tocount. However, they can include a transparentsection which will help to reduce fraud, andcountries that have introduced plastic notes haveseen a reduction in the number of fake notes in use.
C In terms of environmental concerns, plastic notesmight not seem like a step forward, but studies haveshown that throughout their lives, plastic notes haveless environmental impact than ‘paper’ notes.‘Paper’ notes are in fact largely made of cotton,which requires a lot of water and chemicals to grow.Plastic notes can be recycled at the end of theirlives. Australia, which was the first country to switchto completely plastic notes, recycles them into plantpots. Unfortunately though, not all countries willhave the facilities to do this.
D If you need more advantages, plastic notes alsodon’t absorb moisture and sweat like paper notes,making them tougher and more hygienic. Andalthough washing them is not recommended, theywill survive a wash if you accidentally leave them inyour jeans!
1Read the text and choose the correct answers. (6 marks)
1Plastic banknotes are ...
A not yet in use anywhere in the world.
B already widely used in Europe and around theworld.
C likely to be introduced in more and morecountries
2Which of the following is not an advantage of plastic banknotes to governments?
A Their initial production cost is lower.
B They save governments money over theirlifetime.
C It is more difficult to produce fake notes.
3Which statement is true regarding theenvironmental impact of plastic banknotes?
A Plastic banknotes are more environmentall yfriendly than you might think.
B Plastic banknotes are less good for theenvironment than paper notes.
C Plastic banknotes will be recyclable whereverthey are used
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