“The Problem with Plastic” is a new book from Judith Enck (Beyond Plastics) and Adam Mahoney that investigates the impact of plastic on human health and the environment and “emphasizes the urgent need for action against plastic’s toxic legacy.”
Learn more about “The Problem with Plastic”.
What is "The Problem with Plastic" about?
“The Problem with Plastic” examines the rise of plastic over the last 75 years as it has gone from a celebrated innovation to a widely recognized form of pollution. The book explores how plastic pollutes the planet, drives climate change, produces a huge amount of waste, and harms the environment and humans—particularly marginalized communities.
Critically, “The Problem with Plastic” offers practical solutions for readers to take action, both at home and through advocacy. It includes a “Household Waste Audit” to help readers track and reduce plastic use. The book also offers model policies for addressing plastic pollution based on Beyond Plastics’ advocacy work.
Watch the video trailer for “The Problem with Plastic”.
Why is plastic pollution a problem?
Plastic is hazardous to humans and the environment throughout its entire life cycle.
- Plastic production has been linked to increased risk of numerous diseases, including lung and cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Pollution from production facilities also affects the surrounding community with an increased risk of premature birth, low birth weight, childhood leukemia, and other diseases.
- Plastics used in consumer products often include endocrine-disrupting chemicals and toxic additives. Plastics are also known to absorb and concentrate toxic chemicals in the environment.
- Plastic waste breaks down into increasingly smaller particles that carry these concentrated toxins to every corner of the planet. Humans are increasingly consuming microplastics through food, water, and air.
- Plastic recycling is not technically or economically viable at scale, despite claims from the petrochemical industry. It causes similar pollution and health problems to plastic production.
Related resources from Beyond Plastics
- Video trailer for “The Problem with Plastic”
- Order a copy of “The Problem with Plastic”
- Discussion Guide for “The Problem with Plastic”