Exploring contemporary archaeologies of plastic pollution: Perspectives from Galapagos, the East Pacific Coast, and Europe

In collaboration with the Galapagos Conservation Trust, this journal-style thesis explores the potential of contemporary archaeologies to address plastic pollution from a theoretical
standpoint and through the presentation of several case studies in Europe, and the Pacific
region including Galapagos. By considering plastic pollution a topic of interest and concern
for archaeologists, this work contributes to establishing a theoretical framework for contemporary archaeologies of plastic pollution. Archaeologists can regard plastics as
artefacts, as components of archaeological layers, as part of waste landscapes, or focus on
plastic pollution threatening archaeological sites. These perspectives were explored across
all chapters, combining three methodological approaches: the use of object itineraries, the
implementation of story-writing workshops, and the potential of social media analysis.
The thesis shows the diversity of archaeological approaches to plastic pollution. The focus
on sinking plastics entering the riverbed of the Sambre river in Belgium sheds light on less
visible plastic pollution and advocates for the potential of studying plastics as part of more
traditional archaeological projects. Observing plastics as artefacts and reconstructing their
itineraries was central to the design of engaging story-writing activities in the Pacific
including Galapagos. Stories and surveys offered a window into local perceptions of the
issue, reflecting a good understanding of sources and impacts while emphasizing that more
focus should be on solutions. The focus on plastics as material culture was explored in an
analysis of social media reactions to policies limiting the use of plastic items during the
COVID-19 Pandemic.

Archaeology holds the potential to address plastic pollution within multi-disciplinary projects and contribute to different fields including environmental education and policymaking. The discipline contributes to understanding plastic pollution providing a focus on plastics as artefacts, approaching behaviours and perceptions through engaging activities, and providing a framework to evaluate and contribute to policymaking.