Articles
10 everyday items that started with oil and gas
September 27, 2024
Imagine waking up one day to find that some of your most essential everyday items have vanished. Sounds like a nightmare, right? Well, you might be surprised to learn just how many products we rely on daily are made from oil and gas. Let's take a closer look at 10 of these items that would be incredibly difficult to live without.
1. Smartphones and Computers
It's hard to imagine life without our trusty smartphones and computers. The plastics used in these devices, from the casing to the internal components, are largely derived from petroleum[3]. Without oil and gas, our ability to stay connected and work remotely would be severely impacted.
2. Medical Equipment
The healthcare industry heavily relies on petroleum-based products. Life-saving devices like pacemakers, MRI machines, and IV bags are all made possible thanks to oil and gas[1]. Even simple items like disposable gloves and syringes are petroleum-derived, highlighting how crucial these resources are in maintaining our health and well-being.
3. Clothing and Footwear
That comfortable polyester shirt you're wearing or those durable running shoes? They're likely made from petroleum-based materials[1]. Synthetic fabrics and many components of modern footwear owe their existence to oil and gas, making our wardrobes more versatile and affordable.
4. Personal Care Products
Your morning routine probably involves several petroleum-based products without you even realizing it. From your toothbrush to your shampoo, and even that moisturizer you can't live without, many personal care items contain ingredients derived from crude oil[4].
5. Food Packaging
While we might not eat petroleum directly, it plays a significant role in keeping our food fresh and safe. Most food packaging, including plastic containers and wraps, are made from oil-based materials[3]. Without these, food distribution and storage would become much more challenging.
6. Transportation
It's not just about the fuel in your car. Virtually all forms of modern transportation, including electric vehicles, rely on components made from oil and gas[1]. From the tires to the dashboard, petroleum products are integral to keeping us moving.
7. Home Appliances
Your refrigerator, washing machine, and even your beloved coffee maker contain numerous parts made from petroleum-based plastics[1]. These appliances make our lives easier and more comfortable, and they wouldn't exist in their current form without oil and gas.
8. Sports Equipment
For all the sports enthusiasts out there, petroleum plays a crucial role in manufacturing various types of equipment. From the nylon strings in tennis rackets to the artificial turf on football fields, oil-based products are essential in the world of sports[3].
9. Eyewear
If you wear glasses or contact lenses, you're directly benefiting from petroleum-based products. These vision-correcting devices are typically made from plastics derived from oil, making clear sight possible for millions of people worldwide[1].
10. Pharmaceuticals
Last but certainly not least, many life-saving medications and supplements are produced using petroleum-based ingredients[3]. From aspirin to vitamins, the pharmaceutical industry relies heavily on oil and gas to create products that keep us healthy.
Let's not take oil and gas for granted.
Citations:
[1] https://www.coga.org/factsheets/everyday-products-uses
[2] https://www.sodir.no/en/whats-new/publications/norwegian-continental-shelf/norwegian-continental-shelf-no1-2020/what-if-oil-disappeared-tomorrow/
[3] https://tamoilfield.org/oil-and-gas-how-they-influence-our-daily-lives/
[4] https://www.genomatica.com/news-content/survey-consumers-surprised-everyday-products-made-from-crude-oil/
[5] https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/petroleum/
[6] https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2019/11/f68/Products%20Made%20From%20Oil%20and%20Natural%20Gas%20Infographic.pdf
[7] https://thewellnessfeed.com/everyday-products-made-with-oil-822/
[8] https://www.huffpost.com/entry/oil-is-in-everything-from_n_608751
