A Brief History of Plastic

Plastic began as a solution, not a crisis. Polymer chemist and science historian Dr. Seth Rasmussen trace the history of plastic from early substitutes for scarce animal materials to the mass-produced polymers that reshaped modern life. They explore why plastics were invented, how their uses and reputation changed, and why a material designed for durability became central to a disposable economy. This origin story provides essential context for understanding plastic production, polymer chemistry, and the systemic roots of plastic pollution.Episode Guest: Dr. Seth Rasmussen. Browse his publications on ResearchGateMore information about the episode and the Plastic PodcastEpisode Transcript  and more information on the Pine Forest Media WebsiteFollow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmediaHosted, produced, written, and edited by Clark Marchese Cover art and PFM logo by Laurel Wong. Theme music by Tadeo Cabellos Other SFX sourced royalty free Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.