Plastic in Context: A Lifecycle Assessment of Economy and Health

Plastic’s lifecycle reveals hidden costs and benefits. Researcher Rachel Karasik guides us through a plastic lifecycle assessment, from raw material extraction and production to use, disposal, leakage, and pollution. They examine the health, environmental, and economic consequences that appear at different stages, as well as the benefits that keep plastic embedded in modern systems. The conversation shows why better plastic policy requires more than counting waste, with attention to chemical regulation, extended producer responsibility, environmental justice, and more intentional material use.Episode Guests: Rachel KarasikMore information about Rachel Karasik at NIVA HereConnect with Rachel Karasik on LinkedInBrowse Rachel Karasik’s publications on Google ScholarSomething in the Water Ep 2 on Spotify and Apple PodcastsMore 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  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.