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Plastic Fantastic

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Professor Mark Miodownik explores our love/hate relationship with plastic.

Mark Miodownik explores our love/hate relationship with plastic, why we have ended up with oceans of waste blighting the environment and what science and society can do about it.

BBC Radio 4 LW

Plastic Fantastic: What's the Solution?

What's the Solution?

29/05/2018

BBC Radio 4 - Plastic Fantastic, What's the Solution?

How do we address our over-reliance and misuse of plastic? Should we give it up?

How do we address our over-reliance and misuse of plastic? Should we give it up, replace it with biodegradable materials or just become smarter about how we use plastic?

The solutions to the problem of plastic pollution and plastic waste lie in many directions. A global plan to stop littering will go a long way. But human behaviour change often needs some economic intervention. One idea by the UK government and many others around the world, is to give a little financial incentive in the form of deposits on plastic bottles, or taxation on single use plastic like coffee cups, food wrapping and plastic bags. Mark Miodownik investigates some of the scientific solutions such as alternatives to petrochemical plastic using microbes or plant materials, clever waste sorting technologies to help make the process easier, even using less plastic. And he hopefully untangles some of the confusing messages about plastic and comes up with ways to be plastic smart.

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

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Plastic Fantastic

What's the Solution?

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