Why Plastic Is Everywhere

Plastic is in our clothes, our homes, our food packaging, and even our bodies. But just over a century ago, most of it didn’t exist.

Host Sony Kassam traces plastic's surprising rise from an accidental discovery to one of the most ubiquitous materials on Earth. We explore how a substitute for ivory helped launch a new class of materials, why World War II supercharged plastic production, and how an industry built around reuse gave way to a culture of disposability.

Plus: Why is so little plastic actually recycled? How did microplastics end up inside our bodies? And is replacing plastic always better for the environment?

GUESTS

Beth Gardiner, journalist and author of "Plastic Inc.," which traces the history of plastic and the industry behind it.

Judith Enck, former regional administrator at the US Environmental Protection Agency and founder and president of Beyond Plastics.

DIVE DEEPER

How billiard balls helped kick-start the plastic revolution: join1440.com/r/947

Why plastic is so hard to replace: join1440.com/r/9235

How long plastic actually lasts: https://join1440.com/r/27184

The uncomfortable truth about plastic recycling: join1440.com/r/19369

CREDITS