Chewing gum is a cohesive substance meant for chewing, not swallowing. Humans have used chewing gum for at least 3,000 years. Original chewing gum was made of chicle, a natural latex. By the 1960’s, chicle was replaced by butadiene-based synthetic rubber. Most chewing gums are considered polymers. Chewing gum has detrimental effects on the environment. Gum is not water soluble, thus it causes problems to the environment. It is commonly found stuck underneath benches, tables, handrails and escalators. Most gum finds its way onto sidewalks/pavements and open public areas. It bonds strongly to asphalt and rubber shoe soles and concrete paving. Removal on city sidewalks is labor-intensive, usually achieved by steam jet and a scraper. Chewing gum discard is considered environmentally damaging. Singapore has had a ban on regular chewing gum since 1992 and the streets and sidewalks are free of the sticky substance. Be kind to our environment and put your used gum back in its wrapper or a tissue and dispose of it in the garbage. De Hart Plumbing, serving Manhattan Kansas, Junction City Kansas and Wamego Kansas.
