Plastics and Microplastics: A Reference Handbook

Plastic plays a vital role in today's world but has become increasingly problematic. Plastics and Microplastics: A Reference Handbook discusses the history and evolution of plastic and its many uses, both in the United States and around the world. Beginning with a history of plastic—from the first scientific discovery of the material to its diversity of forms and uses in the present day—Plastics and Microplastics: A Reference Handbook discusses the history and evolution of plastic and its many uses, both in the United States and around the world. Importantly, it delves into the problems and controversies concerning plastic and microplastics, such as the pollution of oceans, rivers, and streams; its exceptionally long shelf life; its contribution to air pollution; and ingestion of microplastics by marine life. One of the most valuable aspects of the book is its survey of the history of plastics and microplastics conducted in a manner that helps readers to identify key issues to address. Moreover, it discusses both implemented and proposed solutions. A perspectives chapter includes a broad range of voices, allowing crucial, diverse perspectives to round out the author's expertise.

Table of Contents:
Preface, 1 Background and History, Introduction, Plastics in Daily Life, History of Plastics, Natural and Synthetic Rubbers, Parkisine and Celluloid, Bakelite, The Modern Age of Plastics, Plastic Pollution, Microplastics, Primary Microplastics, Secondary Microplastics, Transport of Microplastics, Land and Air Deposition, Water Deposition, References, 2 Problems, Controversies, and Solutions, Introduction, Plastics Production, Future Trends in Plastics Production, Fossil Fuels and Plastics Production, Disposal of Plastic Wastes, Dumps and Landfills, Incineration, The Oceans, Environmental Effects of Plastics, Soil, Entanglement, Ingestion, Interaction, Human Health, Solutions, Recycling, Biodegradable Plastics, Zero Waste, Circular Economy, Public Opinion and Legislation, Conclusion, References, 3 Perspectives, Introduction, Environmental Education That Empowers Students, Ashlie Arkwright Microplastics and Plankton, Cherilyn Chin Microplastics Are Everywhere: Threatening the Health of the Planet and Future of Humanity, Mark Friedman How to Be More Eco-conscious, Pratibha Gopalakrishna Biological Recycling of Polyethylene Shopping Bags, Joel Grossman Impacts of Plastic on Sea Turtles, Jake Krauss What Is the True Cost of Microplastic Pollution on Our Health?, Kara Rogers Small Town Makes Big Impact, Diana Reynolds Roome Environmental Hazards of Bottled Water, Ellen Rubin The Reckoning, Das Soligo 4 Profiles, Alliance to End Plastic Waste, Leo Baekeland (1863–1944), Wallace Carothers (1896–1937), The 5 Gyres Institute, Greenpeace, Walter Lincoln Hawkins (1911–1992), Stephanie Kwolek (1923–2014), Charles J. Moore (Dates Unavailable), Alexander Parkes (1813–1890), Boyan Slat (1994–), Surfrider Foundation, 5 Data and Documents, Data, Table 5.1 Global Production of Plastics, 1950–2015, Table 5.2 Disposal of Plastic Wastes, 1980–2015 (%), Table 5.3 Plastic Use by Sector (million tonnes) (2015), Table 5.4 Per Capita Plastic Waste for Selected Countries, 2010 (kilograms per person per day), Table 5.5 Plastic Production and Disposal in the United States, Selected Years (thousands of tons), Table 5.6 Microplastic Concentration at Various Points in the United States, Table 5.7 Fate of All Plastics Produced Worldwide, 1980–2015, Table 5.8 Global Production of Various Types of Plastics for 2015 (millions of tons), Table 5.9 Forms of Polyethylene, Documents, Marine Plastic Pollution Research and Control Act (1987), Policy Memorandum 11-03 ("Water Bottle Ban") (2011); Discontinuation of Policy (2017), Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015, Effects of Microplastics on Aquatic Organisms (2016), No More Plastics in the Oceans (2017), City of Laredo, Texas, Petitioner, v. Laredo Merchants Association (NO. 16-0748) (2018), Plastic Bag Bill (Connecticut) (2019); Plastic Bag Bill (Idaho) (2016), A Circular Economy for Plastics (2019), Save Our Seas Bill (S.1982) (2019), Plastic or Bioplastic Disposable Food Service Ware (2019), San Antonio Bay Estuarine Waterkeeper and S. Diane Wilson v. Formosa Plastics Corp., Texas, and Formosa Plastics Corp., U.S.A. (2019), Udall-Lowenthal Bill (2020), 6 Resources, Books, Articles, Reports, Internet, 7 Chronology, Glossary, Index,