Abstract
This article analyzes the importance of plastics that have shaped the lifestyle of contemporary society and highlights the impacts produced by its wide availability across the planet. Starting from a brief historical overview of the rise of plastics and their insertion in different social and economic activities over the last century, we address the growing awareness of the deleterious mass proliferation of plastic pollution. In particular, we emphasize the increasing knowledge about the harmful effects of microplastics on biota and human health. A change in the role of plastic in society is unavoidable, with an urgent need for behavior changes in all social strata. Rethinking the way of production, use and management of plastics must involve social changes at domestic, regional and national levels. Environmental education and governance efforts for plastic recycling and innovation for environmentally friendly materials are of utmost importance. The change of attitudes, reducing the entry of plastics into the natural environment is an urgent task and enhancing individual awareness might be deemed paramount in educational institutions, and among decision makers.
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