After weeks iterating and grappling with social justice issues, Gabriel Berent's graphic design students learned how the pervasiveness of plastic threatens all life—from soil microbes to the water we drink. Using infographic design, digital collage, and humor, their messages urge the viewer to re-think their use of plastic....

Rachel Kantor's students came up with their own research questions, then supported each other via a collaborative art-making process that mirrors a real world commercial art studio space. The class dove into intense experimentation with materials and collaboration with each other's concepts and process....

In our chemistry class, students created several types of polymers themselves. From long chain to cross-linked polymers, they explored the many ways that plastics have taken over almost every facet of life—highlighting our need for more sustainable ways of reusing, rejecting, or disposing of them....

Plastic's usefulness is its permanence. It's also its downfall. We created this project by gathering and collaging single-use plastics from packaging and our consumer lifestyles to create collagraph printmaking plates and intaglio prints....

What does Rebellion mean? And how do we use this to change our world from destroying itself? How do we use our art to release our frustrations and inspire others to change? Deryk Hudson's students tackle these big questions....

Despite public campaigns, most plastic is discarded carelessly. When it reaches our oceans, its benefits to humans—its light weight and durability—become harmful to animal species and ultimately, the people who thrive on these animal ecosystems. Animals of all sizes—from humans to zooplankton—ingest microplastics with dire consequences....

Citizen-led campaigns around the world are making a huge difference to the global plastic waste crisis. While some of these efforts include recycling and redesign, other innovators are also discovering new ways to recycle or create less waste. Meet National Geographic’s explorers, fellows and grantees who are addressing  the problem...

Do we really need all this plastic? Richard John Seymour captured the oversupply overwhelm at Yuwi international trade center in China. 70,000 vendors crammed in connected warehouses sell more plastic than we need or demand....

Think of all the plastics you touch in a single day. Plastic has revolutionized the world and yet we're drowning in it. Mexican illustrator Jorge Gamboa's iconic image of a plastic bag looking like an iceberg shows how art can activate. Using intrigue to spark curiosity—the artists, scientists, and activists...

As we approach the midterm elections, the largest generation the world has ever seen is registering to vote and heading to the polls for the first time. How will young voters impact the midterm elections and conversations about hot-button issues like housing, sexual misconduct, immigration, and more? Join Youth...