It's a Wrap. Conversations on Plastic by Anne Hayden, MSc

Why The Book? 

Anne Hayden's book, "It's a Wrap. Conversations on Plastic" is a book dedicated to her father and explores the profound impact of plastic on our lives. It features conversations on plastic pollution, its sources, and its effects on the environment and human health, providing a comprehensive overview of the challenges and potential solutions. The book includes guest contributions that add different perspectives on this complex issue. Dr Niall MacGiolla Bhuí writes about engaging in open discussions around plastic, as well as the urgency that action is taken to combat it. Cathy Fitzgibbon, MSc focuses on linking seasonal eating to the plastic pollution problem in the Irish context and Conor MacGiolla Bhuí, MSc writes from a Gen Z perspective on possible actions, as well as how Ireland and Sweden address plastic.

The author, Anne Hayden, MSc was motivated to write "It's a Wrap" by a strong sense of concern regarding society's contradictory attitude toward plastic, despite its wide-ranging implications. Several factors contributed to her motivation:

Personal Observation: From her office overlooking the Galway docks, Hayden witnessed ships laden with bales of plastic destined for foreign shores, prompting her to question whether society could do better in managing plastic waste.
Academic Pursuits: Her interest in plastics began during her undergraduate thesis at University College Dublin, where she researched consumer and industry perceptions of plastic food wrapping and its recyclability. Later, during her master's programme at Smurfit Business School in Dublin, she learned about the significant role of product packing in marketing strategies.
Desire for Dialogue and Action: Hayden aimed to ignite a collective awakening and inspire action by exploring the complex influence of plastic, from its origins and manufacturing to its lasting imprint on the environment.
Passion for the Topic: The author states her passion for the topic of plastic and its effects, expressing her desire to explore the complex connection between plastic and its significant effects on daily lives and the world. She aimed to produce a body of work that explores this connection.
Belief in Transparent Dialogue: Hayden argues for the significance of having a transparent dialogue on plastic usage at all levels of society to facilitate meaningful change towards real and long-term sustainability.
-Harry Hickey, March 2025.