PLASTICS RECYCLING AND SUSTAINABILITY
Examine sustainability and recycling practices for plastics and polymeric materials, including textiles. Analyze environmental impacts and plastic waste using life cycle assessment. Explore traditional and emerging recycling technologies, along with bio-based and degradable plastics. Critically evaluate media coverage to identify "greenwashing" and improve understanding of sustainability issues.
Prerequisites & course information
Requisites: E P D 634 or 636 Course Designation: Grad 50% - Counts toward 50% graduate coursework requirement Repeatable for Credit: No Last Taught: Spring 2026 Learning Outcomes: 1. Analyze the life cycle of a plastic product and the related causes of and solutions for recycling and sustainability issues. Audience: Graduate 2. Assess benefits and costs of sustainability planning in the public and private sectors. Audience: Graduate 3. Explain the environmental dimensions of the sustainability challenges associated with plastics manufacture, use and disposal. Audience: Graduate 4. Apply sustainability principles to address the challenges of plastics disposal, especially in developing countries. Audience: Graduate Learning Outcomes: 1. Analyze the life cycle of a plastic product and the related causes of and solutions for recycling and sustainability issues. Audience: Graduate 2. Assess benefits and costs of sustainability planning in the public and private sectors. Audience: Graduate 3. Explain the environmental dimensions of the sustainability challenges associated with plastics manufacture, use and disposal. Audience: Graduate 4. Apply sustainability principles to address the challenges of plastics disposal, especially in developing countries. Audience: Graduate
Sources
- Course catalogue ↗2026-2027