‘Plastic’ is a common noun referring to a wide range of synthetic materials that constitute essential building blocks of our material reality. Plastic occupies an ambivalent position in our society. On the one hand, it has been instrumental in the creation of a treasure trove of technological innovations – from a bicycle and a mobile phone to a toothbrush and sneakers. On the other hand, plastic waste is considered a major environmental problems threatening the planet today. This online module will explore the social contexts in which different types of plastic were invented, marketed and implemented into our daily lives, and will analyze the social and environmental consequences of these developments.
If you have any additional questions or would like to discuss related topics after following the module, please feel free to reach out to Prof. Dr. Katarzyna Cwiertka at [email protected](opens in a new tab).