Our commodities can be found in products and places all around us during the holiday season. Here are just a few of the ways the products we produce help bring cheer and make the season merry...
...wrapped up in Santa’s sleigh
It’s not just those on Santa’s naughty list getting coal for Christmas. Steelmaking coal is used to produce the steel in all kinds of popular gifts going to those who were nice, including cellphones, tools and household appliances.
...around the dinner table
Holiday treats and sweets can be a great source of zinc, an essential nutrient to keep our bodies healthy. Turkey, especially dark meat, is an excellent source of zinc, and for dessert, each ounce of dark chocolate provides 0.9 milligrams, or 6% of the recommended daily value.
...on the mountain
Planning to ski or snowboard? Zinc plays an important role in getting you both up and down the mountain. Zinc’s corrosion resistance makes it an ideal protective coating in many exposure conditions, including in support structures in chairlifts. Meanwhile, parts of ski and snowboard boots and bindings, such as screws, contain zinc for the same purpose. Mountain biking in a warmer climate? Bike frames, helmets and rubber tires all come from petroleum.
...keeping cozy or cool at home
Copper helps power many of the heating systems that keep our homes warm during chilly winter months. The average house includes approximately 195 pounds of copper in its electrical wiring. For those in warmer climates, copper helps keep you cool. The widespread use of copper in air conditioners—from window units to large chillers—reflects copper’s excellent heat transfer capabilities.
...in Christmas lights, and beyond
Many regional recycling facilities offer options for recycling old holiday lights that contain copper wiring. By cutting strings into small pieces and separating the copper from the plastic, the copper can then be used again in new wire and pipes, while the plastic is turned into new consumer products.
...under the tree
A wide variety of toys and games gifted to children are there in part thanks to oil, one of the materials used in the production of many types of plastics.
