Fantastic book; I would give it a 5-star rating, except I save that for works that absolutely blow me away. I learned so much about plastic, as well as recent economic, political and cultural history mostly in the U.S. but not entirely. The book is incredibly well researched and Freinkel's writing is clear and engaging. I found myself rethinking so much of what I felt sure about previously, and in the end feel more informed and better able to make good personal and political/social/voting booth decisions about plastic. You can't ask for too much more from any book! ( )

I listened to this book as an audio book. I do not remember where I picked up the recommendation for this one.
This book left less of a lasting impression than I hoped for. Although I do not really think a book is going to change a relationship with plastic that has been developed by society over several decades. Especially when I am busy and feel financially strapped. The author did a good job of describing the history of plastic. She started by taking us through her consciousness raising activity of attempting to go a period of time without using plastic. I am fully aware of how difficult this task is. She was not able to make it very long. I think it is a good exercise for all of us to recognize how deeply plastic has been integrated into our lives. I have replaced many disposable plastic items in my life with reusable ones. I could not live entirely without plastic but there are things I could do better about.
This then raises the next questions she answers. Where did plastic come from and how did it become so ubiquitous in our global lives? She also takes a tour through how plastic has evolved over time. This brought back childhood memories of touring the local plastics recycling plant with my school class. Getting to take home a plastic bucket at the end of the day was always the highlight of the tour. Based on this background I appreciate her explanation of the challenges associated with disposal and recycling plastic. She follows the interplay of material and design fir a few specific items. This push and pull between desired design and limitations of the material was a look into manufacturing I have not seen before.
What I feel like either was not covered enough or did not stick with me was what I can do to help with the problems. While I feel more aware of plastic, it's good and bad, in my life, I don't know that I can do to limit the bad. Awareness is good but action is better. ( )

This book takes us through the history of plastic, the different types of plastics and how they are made; and it focuses on certain common plastic items, such as: Frisbee, comb, chair, lighters, shopping bags, bottles and medical supplies.

I really liked this. It was very interesting. There were some sections of chemistry that I maybe didn’t quite “get” (or even if I did while I was reading it, I can’t recall it now), but overall, this was very readable. Other topics in this book include “bioplastics”, the effect on wildlife and the oceans, plastic (i.e. credit) cards, etc. Personally, I’ve been trying for a while now to buy less plastic, but it is pretty much impossible to cut it out; it’s so entrenched. ( )

A detailed look at the modern world's infatuation with plastic and the mess it's leaving behind. The author looks at plastics through several small items that are so commonplace most of us probably don't think about them, starting with the comb, and working her way up to that icon of anti-environmentalism, bottled water. She researched her story well, and writes in an interesting, engaging fashion. The only weakness is her tendency to take too many people at their word. There are many places where she does question received wisdom, but the minute they have a "scientific study" she accepts the findings without digging any further. Otherwise, a valuable piece of work. ( )

What an utterly interesting book, subdivided interestingly as well: by noteworthy plastic product, ordered by progressive toxicity to Earth and life. The research is phenomenal and I learned something new, different and thought-provoking in every chapter. While reading, I discovered more material to read on the subject. I'll get after those. Plastic Beach looks interesting. The Pacific Garbage Patch is something I need to see with my own eyes. It's on the Bucket List. ( )