PLASTIC ARCHAEOLOGY

Plasticarcheology.com is a collaborative website and Instagram feed created by artist Robin Frohardt and archaeologists Anna Agbe-Davies and Eric Deetz. Part scientific endeavor, part poetic gesture to future scientists, This is an attempt to catalog and identify the plastic detritus that engulfs us. This website will serve as an archive, a time capsule, an ode to the forever-ness of plastic. Follow us on Instagram @plastic_archaeology

[plasticarchaeology-blog]

and so the trash barrels became trash themselves... #plasticarchaeology #trashasart #counterculture?? #blueforvisibility #norecyclingbins!! #ireallyhatethestatefair #somanydisposables (at N.C. State Fair)

[plasticarchaeology-blog]

This plastic hook is used to hold a pair of novelty socks that are available for purchase. The socks are available in a variety of styles and are often given as gifts to people you don’t know really well. #itsthethoughthatcounts #singleuse #black #plastic #plasticarchaeology

[plasticarchaeology-blog]

This plastic cylinder is the structure onto which thread is wrapped before being unwrapped and used for hand or machine sewing. #astitchintime #singleuse #plastic #white #plasticarchaeology

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This plastic tape is used to keep people from going into an area where something bad happened for no reason. #why #plasticarchaeology (at UNC Chapel Hill)

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Remote control battery compartment cover #plasticarchaeology #entertainment

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Samurai sword #plasticarchaeology #ninjago #toy #entertainment

[plasticarchaeology-blog]

This seasonal decorative plastic bag is used to package an individual allotment of candy to be given in exchange for “trick or treating”. It could also contain a small apple filled with razor blades. #tistheseason #singleuse #clear #plastic #plasticarchaeology

[plasticarchaeology-blog]

The trusty plastic, reusable 32 oz water bottle. It is simply used to transport water for on the go hydration, and is commonly decorated with stickers expressive if it’s owner. More specifically, this water bottle is a Nalgene, advertised as “the original water bottle”, “for your everyday adventures”. #plasticarchaeology #blue #black #32oz #stickers #waterbottle #since1960s #1980solympichockeygame #widemouth #215mmtall #89mmwide #63mmwidecap #178g #outdoors #drink #bpafree #cylinder #madefromtritanplastic #refillnotlandfill #customizable #differentsizes #madeinusa (at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)

[plasticarchaeology-blog]

Artificial plants for serial plant killers #plasticarchaeology #aesthetic #life #artificialplant #manmade #materialculture #plant #succulent #decoration #home #dorm #efficient #notime #longlasting #nocommitment #calming #trendy #green #nature #atmosphere #firstimpressions #convenient

[plasticarchaeology-blog]

Lonely plastic bag among plants and leaves near Cobb residence hall. #plasticarchaeology #bag #litter #litterbug #clear #blue #crumpled #leaves #mulch #plants #doyoueverfeellikeaplasticbag #windblown #afternoon #cobb #unc

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Hand sanitizer #plasticarchaeology #modern #newestscent #liquidinside #container #blue #transparent #lid #white #branding #roundededges #squeezable #multiuse #cleanliness

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Lonely plastic fork on a brick walkway. #plasticarchaeology #fork #plastic #lonely #nighttime #flash #white #redbrick #litter #litterbug #ground #plasticwaredontcare

[plasticarchaeology-blog]

Crumbled water bottle left to succumb in the elements. Also missing it's cap. #plasticarchaeology #litter #wet #rain #crumbled #outside #clear #trash #water #bottle #litterbug #plastic #blue #morning #unc #sightseeing #brick #followtheredbrickroad

[plasticarchaeology-blog]

Plastic deer park water bottles. A reusable water bottle is much more eco friendly and does not occupy nearly as much space in our landfills! #plasticarchaeology #freshtrash #bemoreecofriendly🌱 #reduce #reuse #recycle

[plasticarchaeology-blog]

Water Bottle: this plastic bottle represents two pieces of plastic that are completely useless now... no lid, no use! #plasticarchaeology #whereisthelid #onetimeuse #whatawaste #noplasticwaterbottles #buyareusableone #redusetheuseofplastic #clearplasticbottles (at UNC Chapel Hill)

[plasticarchaeology-blog]

Plastic Package: everything is wrapped in tons of plastic before being sold. #plasticarchaeology #flonase #drugstore #allergyseason #somuchplastic #impossibletoopen #trash #onetimeuse #whatawaste (at UNC Chapel Hill)

[plasticarchaeology-blog]

Retainer (and case): used for straightening or keeping teeth straight. #plasticarchaeology #orthodontics #prettysmiles #cosmetic #expensive #lifetimeuse #pinkplasticcase #plasticinplastic (at UNC Chapel Hill)