Plastic: An Autobiography – WUM

A virtual Critical Thinking Circle session was organized for the students of Women University Multan on April 30, 2022, where the book “Plastic: An Autobiography” by Allison Cobb was discussed. The writer talks about her fascination with a plastic-strewn Hawaiian beach. She and three others have arrived at Kamilo Beach—a site long overrun by debris from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch—after an arduous journey over miles of treacherous rock. As they approach the remote shore, brilliantly colored plastic pieces of every conceivable size and shape greet them Cobb is well aware of the damage being done to both animal and human life by the chemicals leaching off this vast slew of toxic detritus, having spent years researching them. Still, she’s consumed by the sight, finding it “kaleidoscopic, mesmerizing.” These same words perfectly describe her book.

Plastic is a biography, etymology, journalistic reportage, and self-reflection into a perceptive look at humanity’s relationship with plastic. While many of its narratives appear unrelated at first, connections between them gradually emerge. In several entries into a detailed history of the development of the hydrogen bomb, for example, we suddenly realize the bomb’s connection to modern-day plastics: namely, that its byproduct, polyethylene, is the primary culprit in today’s plastic pollution crisis. Unexpected connections like this can be found throughout the book. Even in chapters where plastic is not explicitly mentioned, its presence is felt, just as plastic’s long fingers reach into every aspect of our modern lives.

The session lasted for 60 minutes and was moderated by Ms. Sofia Hussain. The session was attended by 17 students in total. Ms. Sofia kept the attendees engaged throughout the session by conducting various activities and showing relevant informative YouTube videos. The students were asked to list the plastic products they use in their daily lives and how they can replace them. This activity resulted in some very useful discussions about how to reduce the use of plastic, which will benefit each participant in their life.