Plastics: Just a Load of Rubbish?

<b>A decade to save the planet.</b></p><p>That's the current call to arms. Targets are set, governments vow to do their bit and on a societal level we are encouraged to do ours by choosing to forego all things plastic. The question is whether this is the right decision or are we inadvertently at risk of doing more harm than good? Are there other factors in play needing equal consideration?</b></p><p>The book will follow the story of plastic, and to an extent rubber (known collectively as polymers), and all with an eye to the overarching theme of the environment. It will ask some challenging questions but also sets out to inform. It begins by building a picture. Just what exactly is a plastic, how did it gain such a dominant role in our lives? Are recent denouncements fully justified?</p><p>By better understanding plastics, a clearer opinion can be formed of their usefulness and their potential to alleviate serious environmental concerns.</p> The subject is topical, and the author’s angle is provocative, but not contrarian. Acknowledges many of the environmental concerns, but also note that some plastics are not as bad compared to some of the alternatives. Interesting detail about the people behind the invention of plastic. Will appeal to fans of popular science and those with interest in environmental issues. <h2><b>Are plastics really the enemy in our fight to save the planet?</b></h2></p><p>Encouraged by media stories and government targets, many of us are making well-meaning attempts to forgo the use of plastics in a bid to save the environment. But are we inadvertently at risk of doing more harm than good? Are there other factors in play needing equal consideration? <i>Plastics: Just a Load of Rubbish?</i> examines the history and usage of the multi-faceted material that is plastic and asks some challenging questions both of the material and of ourselves. Could it be that our push for materials that are anything but plastic can actually cause more harm to the planet? Do we in fact need a paradigm shift in our outlook? Can plastics in fact further our desire to become better environmentally protective citizens?</p><p>Along the way this book seeks to enlighten and entertain with fascinating facts about this much maligned material. So if you’ve ever wondered what exactly is a bioplastic, why some but not all plastics can be recycled and the role a clumsy cat played in the development of early plastics, then read on.</p><p>Just how much do we really know about this material? Maybe now it’s time to learn more.</p>