The Plastic (Inside) Us
The Plastic (Inside) Us

Summary/Abstract: This conceptual, quotation-based writing project, drawing from journalists, scientists, academics, activists, artists and others, recycles textual fragments on the concept of plastic. Here, plastic is theorised as a conceptual category that contains nearly unlimited material types and applications, now informed by the disquieting knowledge that its forms might never fully dematerialise, instead becoming ever smaller pieces. Microplastic, inorganic, ubiquitous and increasingly invisible, is now inextricably interconnected with planetary and human life. The totality of the piece(s) presents questions: what does reducing, reusing and recycling mean when we’re talking about a substance now inseparable from our planet, flesh and cells? How culpable are individuals, collectives, businesses and organisations in the now infinite presence of plastics and their effects? What should we make of the plasticity of our current relationship with plastic, including alarm, confusion, calls for social change, continued promotion of its usefulness, ignorance, wastefulness, thoughtlessness and acceptance? Herein lies the plasticity of the problems and possibilities plastics now presents us with.

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