Plastics for the Common Good
The High Calling of the Chemical Engineer
by Jay McDaniel
Hills, rivers, trees, stars, coral reefs, termite mounds, honeycombs, surgical gloves, IV tubes, prosthetic limbs, irrigation pipes, and disposable coffee lids - all part of the creative web of life. Materials for the gloves, tubes, limbs. pipes, and lids are created by polymer engineers, who focus on a specialized branch of chemical engineering dealing with the design, development, processing, and application of macromolecules and polymer-based materials. Theirs is a high calling, to create materials that are good for life and, as they can, avoid the creation of the rest. Plastic for the Common Good. That's their implicit motto. Process theology provide a context for considering the calling.
I write this reflection in appreciation of Laura, a polymer engineer interested in process theology, Too often engineers are neglected in process approaches to ecology and the well-being of life, and yet they work at an intersection tremendously important to process thinkers: that of science and life in the world. Polymer engineering works at the intersection of chemistry, physics, materials science, engineering mechanics, and, of course, polymer science itself. They are organic intellectuals in the sense that they bring together knowledge from many areas and put them into practice, The philosopher Whitehead proposes that the heart of every individual is a desire to gather many into one and add their own input, thus increasing novelty in the world, Chemical engineers are gatherers of the many into one, increasing it by what they discover and do.
I write this reflection in appreciation of Laura, a polymer engineer interested in process theology, Too often engineers are neglected in process approaches to ecology and the well-being of life, and yet they work at an intersection tremendously important to process thinkers: that of science and life in the world. Polymer engineering works at the intersection of chemistry, physics, materials science, engineering mechanics, and, of course, polymer science itself. They are organic intellectuals in the sense that they bring together knowledge from many areas and put them into practice, The philosopher Whitehead proposes that the heart of every individual is a desire to gather many into one and add their own input, thus increasing novelty in the world, Chemical engineers are gatherers of the many into one, increasing it by what they discover and do.
What about Plastics?
Often in the process world, we speak of a living Earth and, for that matter, a living Universe. We say that there is something like experience or subjectivity all the way down into the depths of matter and all the way up into the heavens. We deny the very existence of "dead matter" or, in Whitehead's words, "vacuous actualities." We speak of the natural world as a vast web of life and insist that we humans are part of the larger web, not outside it. When asked for examples of things that are inside the larger web, we talk about hills, rivers, plants, animals, people, and stars. We point to cultural traditions in East Asia (Daoism), South Asia (Hinduism), the Middle East (Judaism), and, of course, indigenous traditions the world over that have had a sense that nature is alive, filled with beauty and purpose apart from human projections, and that have, simultaneously, recognized our human place within the larger, organic whole.
Recently Laura, asked: "What about plastics? What about disposable coffee cup lids, surgical gloves, irrigation pipes, plastic car bumpers, pill bottles, plastic chairs, nylon stockings, plastic catheters, plastic forks, bubble wrap, PVC pipes, prosthetic limbs, and plastic soccer balls? Are they alive, too? Are they part of the web of life, too?"
A friend standing next to her said, "But plastics are created by human beings. They are like sidewalks and brick buildings and laptops. They are not what we mean when we talk about the web of life. They are outside the web. We can treat them as if they are dead matter."
Laura was skeptical. She was suspicious of the idea that "nature" excludes things that human beings create, like sidewalks and buildings and polymers—the macromolecules that chemists synthesize to make plastics. And she was suspicious of the implicit assumption that other creatures, spiders, for example, don't create structures and materials, too.
The Creativity of the More than Human World
As a process theologian, I found myself siding with Laura. I asked ChatGPT for seven examples of non-human creatures creating structures and materials, silk in the case of spiders, that support Laura's point of view. Here's what I got:
Often in the process world, we speak of a living Earth and, for that matter, a living Universe. We say that there is something like experience or subjectivity all the way down into the depths of matter and all the way up into the heavens. We deny the very existence of "dead matter" or, in Whitehead's words, "vacuous actualities." We speak of the natural world as a vast web of life and insist that we humans are part of the larger web, not outside it. When asked for examples of things that are inside the larger web, we talk about hills, rivers, plants, animals, people, and stars. We point to cultural traditions in East Asia (Daoism), South Asia (Hinduism), the Middle East (Judaism), and, of course, indigenous traditions the world over that have had a sense that nature is alive, filled with beauty and purpose apart from human projections, and that have, simultaneously, recognized our human place within the larger, organic whole.
Recently Laura, asked: "What about plastics? What about disposable coffee cup lids, surgical gloves, irrigation pipes, plastic car bumpers, pill bottles, plastic chairs, nylon stockings, plastic catheters, plastic forks, bubble wrap, PVC pipes, prosthetic limbs, and plastic soccer balls? Are they alive, too? Are they part of the web of life, too?"
A friend standing next to her said, "But plastics are created by human beings. They are like sidewalks and brick buildings and laptops. They are not what we mean when we talk about the web of life. They are outside the web. We can treat them as if they are dead matter."
Laura was skeptical. She was suspicious of the idea that "nature" excludes things that human beings create, like sidewalks and buildings and polymers—the macromolecules that chemists synthesize to make plastics. And she was suspicious of the implicit assumption that other creatures, spiders, for example, don't create structures and materials, too.
The Creativity of the More than Human World
As a process theologian, I found myself siding with Laura. I asked ChatGPT for seven examples of non-human creatures creating structures and materials, silk in the case of spiders, that support Laura's point of view. Here's what I got:
Silk: Spiders produce silk, a protein-based material with exceptional strength and flexibility. Spider silk is used for constructing webs, cocoons, and other structures.
Nests and Burrows: Many bird species construct nests using natural materials such as twigs, leaves, and mud. Some rodents, like beavers, build dams and lodges using branches, mud, and other available materials.
Honeycombs: Bees create hexagonal honeycomb structures made of beeswax. Beeswax is a natural wax secreted by worker bees and is used to build the intricate combs for storing honey and raising brood.
Caddisfly Larvae Cases: Caddisfly larvae create protective cases around themselves using materials found in their aquatic environment, such as stones, twigs, and plant fragments. They bind these materials together using silk or sticky secretions.
- Termite Mounds: Termites construct elaborate mounds using soil, saliva, and excrement. These mounds provide ventilation, temperature regulation, and shelter for termite colonies. They demonstrate the remarkable engineering abilities of termites in creating complex and functional structures.
- Coral Reefs: Corals, tiny marine animals, build massive and diverse coral reef ecosystems. They secrete calcium carbonate to create hard skeletons that form the foundation of coral reefs. These reefs support an array of marine life, protect coastlines from erosion, and contribute to global biodiversity.
- Leafcutter Ant Fungus Gardens: Leafcutter ants cultivate gardens of fungus as their primary food source. They cut leaves and bring them back to their colonies, where they use them as substrate for cultivating the fungus. This mutually beneficial relationship between ants and fungus showcases a sophisticated form of agriculture in the insect world.
For me, these examples are enough to confirm Laura's point. There is creativity throughout the whole of the living Earth, and plastics, as created by chemical engineers, are an extension of that creativity, in ways both healthy and unhealthy. Spiders produce silk, and chemists produce plastics.
Problems with Plastics
Are the plastics as healthy as the silk? We best be clear about the problems. Plastics pose several environmental problems, primarily due to their long-lasting nature, widespread use, and inefficient waste management. Here are some of the key environmental issues associated with plastics as identified by ChatGPT:
For me, these examples are enough to confirm Laura's point. There is creativity throughout the whole of the living Earth, and plastics, as created by chemical engineers, are an extension of that creativity, in ways both healthy and unhealthy. Spiders produce silk, and chemists produce plastics.
Problems with Plastics
Are the plastics as healthy as the silk? We best be clear about the problems. Plastics pose several environmental problems, primarily due to their long-lasting nature, widespread use, and inefficient waste management. Here are some of the key environmental issues associated with plastics as identified by ChatGPT:
Plastic Pollution: Improper disposal of plastic waste, including littering and inadequate recycling, leads to plastic pollution in ecosystems worldwide. Plastics are lightweight and durable, allowing them to persist in the environment for hundreds of years. They accumulate in oceans, rivers, and landfills, negatively impacting wildlife, marine life, and ecosystems.Addressing these environmental problems requires a multifaceted approach that includes reducing plastic consumption, improving recycling systems, promoting alternatives to single-use plastics, and developing more sustainable materials and packaging solutions.
- Marine Pollution: Plastics are a major contributor to marine pollution. Large quantities of plastic waste enter the oceans through rivers, coastal areas, and direct dumping. Marine animals, such as seabirds, turtles, and marine mammals, can become entangled in plastic debris or ingest it, leading to injury, suffocation, and death.
- Microplastics: Plastics do not biodegrade but instead break down into smaller fragments called microplastics, which are less than 5 millimeters in size. Microplastics are pervasive in the environment and can be found in oceans, rivers, soil, and even the air. They can enter the food chain when consumed by marine organisms, leading to potential human exposure through seafood consumption.
- Harmful Chemicals: Some plastics contain additives, such as bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, which can leach out into the environment. These chemicals are known as endocrine disruptors and have been linked to various health issues in humans and wildlife.
- Energy Consumption and Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The production of plastics requires significant amounts of energy and resources, primarily derived from fossil fuels. This extraction and processing of raw materials contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change.
- Waste Management Challenges: Plastic waste management is a global challenge. The recycling rates for plastics are relatively low, and a significant portion of plastic waste ends up in landfills or as litter. Improving waste management infrastructure and developing more efficient recycling and recovery systems are crucial to mitigating the environmental impact of plastics.
- Environmental Degradation: The accumulation of plastic waste in natural environments degrades landscapes, pollutes water sources, and damages ecosystems. It disrupts the balance of ecosystems, affects biodiversity, and threatens the overall health of the planet.
Responsible Policies and Constructive Use
These many problems are enough to convince some what we is needed is a plastic-free world. For good or ill, that world will not come about. As you learn from the BBC podcast below, there is much energy and momentum toward the production of still newer macromolecular materials, including new plastics, The more realistic option it to have a culture that encourages and mandates a healthy use of plastics and health policies for their use. There are several policies in place that promote a healthy and ecologically sound use of plastics. Here are some examples of policies offered by ChatGPT.
These many problems are enough to convince some what we is needed is a plastic-free world. For good or ill, that world will not come about. As you learn from the BBC podcast below, there is much energy and momentum toward the production of still newer macromolecular materials, including new plastics, The more realistic option it to have a culture that encourages and mandates a healthy use of plastics and health policies for their use. There are several policies in place that promote a healthy and ecologically sound use of plastics. Here are some examples of policies offered by ChatGPT.
Plastic Bans and Restrictions: Many countries and cities have implemented bans or restrictions on single-use plastics, such as plastic bags, straws, and disposable cutlery. These measures encourage the use of alternative materials or reusable options, reducing the overall plastic waste generated.
It's important to note that the specific policies and their effectiveness can vary between countries and regions. Additionally, ongoing research and evaluation are crucial to continuously improve and update these policies to address emerging challenges associated with plastic use and waste.
- Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): EPR policies hold producers responsible for managing the entire lifecycle of their products, including proper disposal and recycling. This approach encourages manufacturers to design more sustainable and recyclable plastic products, as they bear the financial and logistical responsibility for their waste management.
- Plastic Recycling and Waste Management: Governments have established regulations and policies to improve plastic recycling rates and waste management practices. This includes setting recycling targets, implementing recycling infrastructure, promoting separate waste collection systems, and creating incentives for businesses and individuals to recycle plastics.
- Deposit-Return Systems: Deposit schemes incentivize the return of plastic bottles and containers by offering a refundable deposit upon their return. These systems increase recycling rates and reduce littering, as individuals are motivated to collect and return their used plastic items.
- Plastic Packaging Regulations: Some jurisdictions have implemented regulations to promote sustainable packaging practices. These policies may encourage the use of eco-friendly packaging materials, promote lightweight designs, or require labeling that indicates recyclability or the use of recycled content.
- Plastic Pollution Reduction Initiatives: Governments and organizations worldwide are launching initiatives to combat plastic pollution. These efforts include beach cleanups, public awareness campaigns, education programs, and collaborations with industry stakeholders to find innovative solutions for reducing plastic waste and pollution.
- International Agreements: Several international agreements aim to address plastic pollution on a global scale. For instance, the Basel Convention regulates the transboundary movement of plastic waste, and the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) has adopted resolutions and action plans to tackle marine plastic litter and microplastics.
One purpose of process theology is to encourage the development of a culture where people, including business and government leaders, have the political will to enact and enforce such policies. and promote a healthy use of them. Here are some examples of healthy use offered by ChatGPT.
One purpose of process theology is to encourage the development of a culture where people, including business and government leaders, have the political will to enact and enforce such policies. and promote a healthy use of them. Here are some examples of healthy use offered by ChatGPT.
- Sustainable Packaging: Plastics can be utilized in packaging that prioritizes sustainability. This includes using lightweight plastics that require fewer resources and energy for production and transportation. Additionally, incorporating recycled content and designing packaging for easy recyclability or compostability can contribute to a more environmentally friendly approach.
- Medical Applications: Plastics play a vital role in various medical applications, such as sterile packaging, medical devices, and personal protective equipment (PPE). These applications ensure safety, hygiene, and efficiency in healthcare settings. However, it is crucial to manage and recycle medical plastics responsibly to minimize waste and environmental impacts.
- Renewable and Biodegradable Plastics: Research and development efforts have led to the creation of renewable and biodegradable plastics. These innovative materials, derived from renewable resources like plant-based sources, offer alternatives to traditional plastics that are fossil fuel-based and non-biodegradable. Utilizing these materials can help reduce the environmental impact of plastics.
- Water Management: Plastics can contribute to efficient and sustainable water management practices. For example, using plastic pipes and fittings in water distribution systems can help reduce water loss and improve overall efficiency. Properly designed and managed plastic-based irrigation systems can enhance agricultural water usage, minimizing water wastage and maximizing crop productivity.
- Renewable Energy Infrastructure: Plastics are used in the construction of components for renewable energy infrastructure, such as wind turbine blades and solar panels. These applications support the transition to cleaner energy sources and help mitigate climate change.
- Waste Management and Recycling: Plastics can be effectively managed through comprehensive waste management systems that prioritize recycling and proper disposal. By implementing efficient collection, sorting, and recycling processes, we can recover valuable materials and reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste. Furthermore, innovative technologies are emerging, allowing for the conversion of certain types of plastic waste into alternative fuels or energy sources.
- Socially Responsible Entrepreneurship: Various social enterprises and businesses are focused on using plastics in sustainable and socially just ways. For instance, initiatives that upcycle plastic waste into products, create employment opportunities for marginalized communities, or support plastic waste collection programs in developing regions contribute to both ecological and social goals.
Envisioning a Healthy Society in which
the Constructive Use of Plastics Plays a Role
Process theology promotes policies and healthy uses of plastics, among other ways, by developing the image of a society in which people will be happier, and the earth healthier, through such practices. Process theologians speak of these societies as just and compassionate communities, which are the building blocks for what they call ecological civilizations. Just and compassionate communities are creative, compassionate, participatory, diverse, inclusive, humane to animals, and good for the earth—with no one left behind. In such communities, people live with respect and care for one another and for the larger ecology of life. They recognize that they are part of, not apart from, a living Earth and a living universe. Thus, process theology envisions business and industry, science and art, as being in service to this kind of community and civilization. It also recommends professional education conducive to these ends. The purpose of education is not to increase GDP; it is to enhance the quality of life for each and all, including other creatures. Can plastics play a role? Yes, they can, albeit in the ways just noted.
There is a religious aspect to this. Process theologians suggest that God, understood as the soul or mind of the universe, is also creative, and that God works with, not against, the creativity of the universe. When the universe responds to the lure of God, the results are healthy, and the relationship between God and the world is one of co-creativity. When divine creativity and human creativity are at odds, the results are tragic. There is multiple creativity, but not co-creativity.
Do the macromolecules of which plastics consist have lives of their own? Technically speaking, these molecules are what process theologians call "societies." They are networks of atomic and subatomic events with unique forms of bonding. Somewhere in the depths of these events, say process theologians, are "occasions of experience" which have subjectivity of their own. Thus, the macromolecules are aggregate expressions of such subjectivity. In this sense, they manifest something like subjectivity, experience, or interiority. This is clear enough for other animals, plants, rivers, mountains, and stars. It is less obvious in the case of coffee cup lids, surgical gloves, irrigation pipes, plastic car bumpers, and prosthetic limbs.
Still, process theology is an invitation not to divide the world into the living and the dead, but instead to see all actualities as on a continuum of something lifelike, energetic, and vital. Many things in the inorganic realm, like plastic car bumpers, can be treated as means to ends, not ends in themselves. Their value is primarily instrumental. But even objects with instrumental value are not mere things. They, too, burst forth with vitalities of their own.
One thing for sure, we did not always live in a plastic-populated world. Plastics as we know them today emerged in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, but they are now part of a world we create for ourselves. Or, to be more accurate, part of a world that some human beings—chemical engineers, polymer chemists, industrialists, businesspeople—create for us, upon which we are all dependent. Process theology sees the creation of plastics as a potential form of collaboration with God, co-creativity, when those plastics serve meaningful and healthy ends, human and ecological. And it encourages industrialists, businesspersons, and chemical engineers to understand themselves as collaborative co-creators, not bent upon profit alone, or personal acclaim, but on love.
Plastics in service to Love? It sounds strange, but from a process perspective, it is a real possibility, perhaps beckoned by the very Love in whose life all things unfold. The things that unfold are not exactly "things" but rather happenings, events, networks of energy. They including the productive outcomes of creative agency: spider webs, termite mounds, honeycombs, coral reefs, and sustainable packaging.
- Jay McDaniel