Poly vs wood

[JamezF]

Most are made form polystyrene I think , Isn't Polystyrene a form of plastic? does anyone have a definitive answer on this one?

"Plastic" probably isn't really that useful as a meaningful description these days, in that it's definition is so broad that it covers a huge range of different materials.

Polystyrene is a thermoplastic polymer made from styrene and I don't know how environmentally friendly either can really be considered, but on the other hand PLA (commonly used with 3D printers) is also a thermoplastic polymer often made from corn starch or sugar beet pulp and compostable (as long as the composting process reaches about 60°C or something like that).

So to determine the environmental impact you really need to look at the material in question in more detail. It's not a case of "all plastics are bad", necessarily.

James

 

[Dolo]

Just for general interest, the form of polystyrene used for hives is EPS, expanded polystyrene foam. Because of its lightness, good thermal and crush resistant properties EPS is used a lot today in building insulation, packaging and even motorcycle helmets. It is not entirely waterproof, but good enough.

Other forms (ie: not EPS) are used for many things: yogurt pots, plastic cutlery, the casings of our home appliances, laboratory 'glassware' and once upon a time - for those of us of a certain age - CD jewel cases!

All forms of polystyrene are currently difficult to recycle due to the high cost of degrading it, so it gets a bad press. Research on this continues though, for the sake of our oceans at the very least!

 

[Hairy]

I'd pretty much agree with all of that, bees do tend to sweat more in poly though.

Surely only the drones sweat?

 

[Newbeeneil]

T

Surely only the drones sweat?

The ladies gently perspire

 

[Dolo]

According to my mother, who always corrected me: "Only horses sweat. Genntlemen perspire, ladies glow."

 

[JamezF]

According to my mother, who always corrected me: "Only horses sweat. Genntlemen perspire, ladies glow."

Clearly she'd never seen me in an unvented bee suit.

James