We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Our life with plastic, a review of plastic product abuse in the age of consumerism
Summary
This review examines the psychology, sociology, and culture of plastic consumerism alongside the scientific evidence for microplastic health harms, arguing that social sciences should complement natural science research by promoting rational product choices and awareness.
Abstract It is estimated that up to 9 million tons of plastic waste enters the oceans every year. There is a top of research on the harmfulness of microplastics to our health. While aspects of the use of polymeric packaging for food, dishes, or plastic furniture and clothing are often dictated by economic considerations, psychological, sociological and cultural aspects can be shaped at the level of operation of healthy and rational product choices in local markets. With increased exposure to plastic in the world, the goal of the natural sciences is to develop research tools on the harmfulness of microplastics. Within the framework of social responsibility, social sciences should give recommendations in areas of social life and propose practical measures to make people aware of where microplastic comes from and how to reduce its use. Material and methods Przegląd literaturowy - nie dotyczy Results Przegląd literaturowy - nie dotyczy Conclusions Przegląd literaturowy - nie dotyczy
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
How plastic is our plastic culture? Reducing our consumption of single-use plastics
This paper examines the cultural and economic forces that have made single-use plastics so embedded in modern life, making them difficult to reduce despite known environmental harms. Understanding the social dimensions of plastic consumption — not just technical solutions — is essential for effectively reducing the microplastic pollution they ultimately generate.
Consumer Awareness of Plastic: an Overview of Different Research Areas
Researchers analyzed consumer awareness of plastic across environmental science, engineering, and materials science literature using bibliometric methods, finding that each discipline frames plastic concerns differently and that a significant gap exists between what researchers prioritize and the plastic-related concerns of everyday consumers.
Next steps for research on society and microplastics
This perspective paper assessed the contributions of social and behavioral sciences to microplastics research, covering policy analysis, public education, and stakeholder engagement. The authors argue for greater integration of social science methods to understand and reduce plastic pollution at the human systems level.
Living in the Plastic Age
This interdisciplinary work examines plastic pollution from societal and environmental perspectives, arguing that ubiquitous plastic waste and its conversion to microplastics has become so pervasive in shaping human-nature relationships that it defines a distinct 'Plastic Age,' and exploring implications for human health and pathways toward systemic change.
Toxicity of plastic consumer products: a biological, chemical and social-ecological analysis
This study analyzed the toxic chemicals found in consumer plastic products, including additives, monomers, and processing by-products that can leach into food or the environment. The findings highlight that plastic toxicity extends beyond microplastic particles themselves — the chemicals embedded in plastics pose significant health risks through food packaging and environmental contamination.