TED: Tough truths about plastic pollution | Dianna Cohen

The speaker, an artist and co-founder of the Plastic Pollution Coalition, discusses their journey from using plastic bags in art to realizing the environmental impact of plastic pollution. They initially proposed a cleanup project for the Pacific garbage patch but later understood the need to reduce single-use plastics globally. The formation of the Plastic Pollution Coalition aims to raise awareness and promote alternatives to single-use plastics. The speaker emphasizes personal actions like refusing disposable plastics and choosing sustainable options.

What material does the speaker primarily use for their artwork?

• Plastic bags

• Wood

• Metal

• Glass

What was the speaker's initial reaction to learning about the Pacific garbage patch?

• To create more art

• To study it further

• To clean it up

• To ignore it

What did the speaker realize about the effectiveness of cleaning up the gyre?

• It would solve the problem completely

• It would be a small drop in the bucket

• It would be too expensive

• It would be easy to accomplish

What is the speaker's main concern about plastic in daily life?

• Its cost

• Its aesthetic appeal

• Its convenience

• Its presence in food packaging and health risks

What is the fourth 'R' that the speaker suggests adding to the traditional 'reduce, reuse, recycle'?

• Repair

• Refuse

• Rebuild

• Reimagine

What percentage of plastics are recycled in the United States according to the speaker?

• Less than 7%

• About 50%

• More than 80%

• Exactly 25%

What does the speaker suggest as an alternative to using plastic bottles?

• Using aluminum cans

• Using ceramic mugs

• Using stainless steel or glass bottles

• Using paper bottles