The Polymer Paradox: Valuable Essences and Harmful Excesses Of Plastics In Greg Mbarjiorgu’s Plastics, Plastics Everywhere

Abstract

Extant studies on plastics in Nigeria are carried out by organisations and scientists with their discussions focusing mostly on the negative dimensions and attributes of plastics which include the causes, risks, abuse and environmental consequences occasioned by their mismanagement. However, this study takes a literary perspective and argues that creative writers and literary critics equally address polymer issues through their humanities-based engagements. Applying the literary theory of Ecocriticism, it analyses issues on the use and abuse of plastics as portrayed in the poetry collection entitled Plastics, Plastics Everywhere, written by a Nigerian poet, Greg Mbajiorgu. Acknowledging plastics to be products of polymer technology which have paradoxical underpinnings that serve useful purposes to humankind while their misuse poses a great danger to humans and their environment, the study examines the positive values and negative implications of plastics in Nigeria. It concludes that although Nigerians cannot completely do away with plastics at the moment, great care and caution should be taken in handling plastics while Nigeria should emulate other countries that have adopted stricter measures that have helped them to reduce the negative impact of the use of plastics on their environment.