Lazos, Pamela2023-05-232021-03-052021-03-052021-03-05https://repository.upenn.edu/handle/20.500.14332/49133Plastics — ubiquitous material we cannot seem to live without — are everywhere, but sadly we cannot live with plastics either, at least not peaceably, especially when you consider there will be more plastics in the ocean than fish by 2050. In the intervening years, the photodegradation of plastic resulting in microplastics pollution will be an even bigger problem, affecting every living creature in the ocean, and by extrapolation, mankind. The choices we make and the steps we take to combat the overabundance of plastics in our environment will dictate not just the next 30 years, but the fate of the world thereafter. This is not science fiction, but modern life. This article discusses the microplastics problem and some potential solutions.microplasticswomen in STEMwater pollutionplastic pollutionAfricana StudiesAppalachian StudiesCurriculum and Social InquiryEcology and Evolutionary BiologyEnvironmental DesignEnvironmental EngineeringEnvironmental HealthEnvironmental LawEnvironmental StudiesFeminist, Gender, and Sexuality StudiesOther German Language and LiteratureRisk AnalysisTechnical and Professional WritingUrban, Community and Regional PlanningWater Resource ManagementWomen's StudiesOther