Plastics: Just a Load of Rubbish? by Alicia Chrysostomou is a thought-provoking, accessible exploration of the history, science, and environmental impact of plastics. Rather than simply demonizing plastics, Chrysostomou—a senior lecturer in polymer materials—asks readers to reconsider their assumptions about this ubiquitous material and its role in modern life.

The book examines how plastics have become both indispensable and maligned, tracing their development from accidental discoveries (like cellulose nitrate and casein plastics) to their dominance in everything from packaging to medical equipment. Chrysostomou challenges the prevailing narrative that plastics are unequivocally harmful, arguing that our push to replace plastics with alternative materials can sometimes do more harm than good. She encourages a more nuanced, evidence-based approach, highlighting the benefits of plastics (such as in healthcare and food preservation) and the complexities of recycling, biodegradability, and so-called bioplastics.