Plastics industry sponsors school science materials across the United States

The short version

• A Plastic Pollution Coalition report found companies and trade groups are providing lesson plans, experiments, and school programs across the U.S.[Wired]
• Corporate initiatives include Dow-linked curriculum exercises and a Society of Plastics Engineers program that claims to have reached over 132,000 students.[Wired]
• In Pennsylvania, Shell poured millions into plastics coursework and recycling efforts near its 386-acre manufacturing complex.[Wired]
• Educators disagree over whether to ban industry-sponsored materials or let teachers decide how to frame them.[Wired]

Key facts

• The Plastic Pollution Coalition released a report outlining industry-backed curricula entering U.S. schools, including hands-on experiments and traveling programs.[Wired]
• The Society of Plastics Engineers claims its PlastiVan educational tour has engaged more than 132,000 students since launching in 2011.[Wired]
• A classroom exercise tied to a Dow Chemical Company initiative asks pupils to role-play as Dow staff designing plastic bags.[Wired]
• Shell funded plastics-focused curricula and recycling projects in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, where it maintains a 386-acre facility.[Wired]
• Global recycling rates for plastic stand at roughly 9 percent.[Wired]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• Plastics Companies Are Writing Lesson Plans. What Could Go Wrong?Wired metered