Plastic

Plastic

Author: History Hit January 8, 2023 Duration: 31:24

You can argue that plastics were invented to save nature from human depredation…that plan backfired a bit!


Early plastics were designed as substitutes for scarce natural products like ivory and shellac or the shells of endangered snails. But it didn’t take long for things to get out of hand.


In this episode we trace the story of plastic past, present and future by way of three inventions.

  1. The invention of plastics
  2. The dawn of disposable plastic culture
  3. The possibly new creatures that will emerge in response to the vast amounts of plastic littering the earth


Our guest today is Heather Davis, professor of media and culture and the New School in New York. She’s pondered these questions for a long time and her book, Plastic Matter, looks at how plastics change our way of life.


Produced by Freddy Chick, edited by Thomas Ntinas, Senior Producer is Charlotte Long




Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


Dallas Campbell guides you through the fascinating and often overlooked backstories of the objects and ideas that shaped our world in Patented: History of Inventions. This isn't just a dry recounting of dates and blueprints; it's a deep dive into the human drama behind innovation. You'll hear about accidental breakthroughs, the forgotten figures whose contributions were sidelined, and the clever-sometimes dubious-marketing that turned an idea into a household name. From questioning the true legacy of figures like Thomas Edison to uncovering the surprising connection between foundational garments and space exploration, each episode unpacks these narratives with a sense of curiosity and wit. Produced by History Hit, the podcast brings in historians, scientists, and specialists to add depth and context, transforming every tale into a compelling detective story. Tune in for a consistently engaging exploration that reveals how luck, persistence, and sheer human ingenuity collide to create the fabric of modern life. The result is a listening experience that changes the way you look at the ordinary world around you, one remarkable story at a time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Patented: History of Inventions
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