Ep 19 – Life in Plastic

Episode 19 - "Life in Plastic" Despite what you might have heard, our life in plastic is less than fantastic. Plastic is everywhere and enables our modern standard of living, but it turns out that this comes at a cost. Recent discoveries have found plastic in the oceans, in our soil, in the food we eat, and even the air we breathe. The health and environmental effects of all this plastic are just beginning to be understood - and it's not looking good. Join us this week as explore the world of plastics and microplastics and speak with environmental attorney John Parker about this growing threat. Chapters 4:48 Where Does it All Go? 5:11 Great Pacific Garbage Patch 6:12 What are Microplastics 7:23 Where do Microplastics Come From? 12:04 What Are the Environmental and Health Implications? 12:30 In our Water? 15:04 In our Bodies 15:59 Marine Food Chain Impacts 18:02 We Breathe Plastic? 18:54 Affects of Plastic on Health and Environment 23:43 Chemicals In Our World 28:53 Externalities and Pofitibility 36:09 There is no Profit? 43:04 Local Politics and Business 43:15 Ban on Bans 44:01 John 44:42 JOHN: Experience 45:29 JOHN: Why is it Hard to Get Clean Water? 46:12 JOHN: New York Doing Enough? 47:31 JOHN: Proactive or Reactive? 49:38 JOHN: Where Does Responsibility Lie? 52:16 JOHN: Importance of Awareness 54:04 JOHN: Who is Leading Awareness? 55:33 JOHN: Groups Doing Good 57:09 What Can We Do? 1:03:20 Gavin A full transcript is available as well as detailed links and sources (plus credits and more) on our website ashesashes.org. Find more information along with relevant news and links on your favorite social network @ashesashescast. CC BY-SA 4.0