Petrochemicals: the fossil fuels all around us

Why we should and how we can, spot and cut down on petrochemicals.

When one thinks of fossil fuels, they tend to think of petrol, paraffin wax, diesel, kerosene and natural gas. Truth is, we use fossil fuels in far more products than most are aware.

Petrochemicals are hydrocarbons that are separated and extracted from petroleum (crude oil) and natural gas. They are at the core of multiple industries and fuel a wide array of products across the globe, including: cosmetics, electronics, packaging, textiles and cleaning products. Common to all the industries on this list – and many others – is that primary petrochemicals go through chemical processes to make more complicated organic chemicals that go into producing even more items. For example: petrochemicals can be made into plastics, nylons and polyesters that are then transformed into items like bicycle helmets, lightweight car bumpers, space suits, medical devices and wind turbines.This breadth of practical uses across industries is making petrochemicals one of the largest drivers of global oil demand.

Petrochemicals should be drastically phased down (think by half) by all people, countries and industries across the globe in the next two to three decades- in line with climate action. Shamefully, companies are using the production of petrochemicals to offset transitions to cleaner energy. We have to learn how to identify and cut down on petrochemicals, if we are to meet global environmental goals as well as protect human welfare.

How to spot petrochemicals:

• Anything ending in “eth” (examples: Oleth, Laureth).

• Anything with “butyl-” (examples: Butylparaben, Butyl Alcohol).

• Anything with DEA (example: Diethanolamine).

• Anything with “ethyl-” (example: Ethyl Alcohol).

• Anything with “methyl-” (example: Methylparaben).

• Anything with “propyl-” (examples: Propylene Glycol, Cocamidopropyl Betaine)

• Mineral Oil.

• Parfum/ Fragrance (many contain petrochemicals).

• Most plastics (apart from the new bioplastics being made out of biological material).

• Often ending with "ene" (examples: Butene, Ethylene, Benzene).

• Often ending with "ane" (examples: Methane, Ethane, Propane and Butanes).

• Often ending with"nol" (examples Ethanol, Methanol, Butanol).

For more lists of petrochemicals: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petrochemical