Topical Talk

Plastics, packaging and sustainability

Plastics’ durability and affordability makes it popular with businesses and consumers. It also makes it harmful for the planet. Is plastic necessary?

Published 20 November 2020

This lesson is more than 5 years old. Please check the facts before teaching to ensure they are up-to-date and still correct.

Who is responsible for reducing its usage? This one-hour Headline resource will help your students to:

  • Think about the pros and cons of using plastic
  • Use different perspectives on how people feel about plastic usage
  • Decide who is responsible for reducing plastic usage


These teaching resources are supported by Unilever. The Economist Educational Foundation maintained full editorial control.

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