Who can remember life before plastic? Could you imagine life after plastic? The National Building Museum organized a panel of experts as part of its popular series For the Greener Good: Conversations that Will Change the World titled “Life After Plastic.” This discussion examined the role of plastics as they are used today and how they will change in the future. The organic discussion, molded by questions from the audience and online participants via Twitter (#FGG), was moderated by Lance Hosey, president and CEO of GreenBlue. Other panelists included: Blaine Brownell, assistant professor at the University of Minnesota School of Architecture; Jay Bolus, vice president of technical operations at MBDC; and Robert Peoples, Ph.D., director of the ACS Green Chemistry Institute.

“There’s a great future in plastic.” This statement, from The Graduate in 1967, started off the intriguing conversation that examined the benefits and consequences of America’s (and the world’s) dependence on the inexpensive, durable material. The true reality is that only about 5% of plastics are recycled and practically every piece of plastic ever made still exists. Read more…