Why Plastic Is Everywhere

Plastic is in our clothes, our homes, our food packaging, and even our bodies. But just over a century ago, most of it didn’t exist. Host Sony Kassam traces plastic's surprising rise from an accidental discovery to one of the most ubiquitous materials on Earth. We explore how a substitute for ivory helped launch a new class of materials, why World War II supercharged plastic production, and how an industry built around reuse gave way to a culture of disposability. Plus: Why is so little plastic actually recycled? How did microplastics end up inside our bodies? And is replacing plastic always better for the environment? GUESTS Beth Gardiner, journalist and author of "Plastic Inc.," which traces the history of plastic and the industry behind it. Judith Enck, former regional administrator at the US Environmental Protection Agency and founder and president of Beyond Plastics. DIVE DEEPER How billiard balls helped kick-start the plastic revolution: join1440.com/r/947 Why plastic is so hard to replace: join1440.com/r/9235 How long plastic actually lasts: https://join1440.com/r/27184 The uncomfortable truth about plastic recycling: join1440.com/r/19369 CREDITS Host and Producer: Sony Kassam Editor: Dan Bobkoff Fact-Checker: Alice Jones Sound Designer: Jay Cowit Executive Producer, Rhyme Media: Dan Bobkoff Executive Producers, 1440: Sony Kassam and Drew Steigerwald MORE ABOUT US 1440 Explores is a show by the people behind 1440 Media. 1440 is a community for the knowledge-obsessed, helping curious people stay informed and inspired daily. FOLLOW 1440 Morning newsletter: https://join1440/today Instagram: instagram.com/1440daily Facebook: facebook.com/1440Daily TikTok: tiktok.com/@1440daily 1440 Explores YouTube: youtube.com/@1440Explores Hidden Within YouTube: www.youtube.com/@HiddenWithinShow