chunk1

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.

Keywords: conceptual writing; environmentalism; health and illness; plastic; pollution; recycling; social movements

How to cite: Borchard, K. (2024). The plastic (inside) us. Knowledge Cultures, 12(3), 90-107. https://doi.org/10.22381/kc12320245.

Received July 31, 2024 • Received in revised form September 28, 2024
Accepted September 28, 2024 • Available online December 1, 2024

Kurt Borchard
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
University of Nebraska
Kearney, Nebraska

Home | About Us | Events | Our Team | Contributors | Peer Reviewers | Editing Services | Books | Contact | Online Access

© 2009 Addleton Academic Publishers. All Rights Reserved.

 
Joomla templates by Joomlashine