Plastic | smithsonianmag.comhttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/rss/tag/plastic/RSS feed for PlasticenTue, 12 May 2026 16:49:45 +0000Microplastics Are Swirling Around in the Atmosphere, Where They Might Be Contributing to Climate Changehttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/microplastics-are-swirling-around-in-the-atmosphere-where-they-might-be-contributing-to-climate-change-180988704/Airborne plastic particles, particularly colorful ones, absorb more sunlight than they reflect, which can heat the surrounding air, according to a new studyTue, 12 May 2026 16:49:45 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/microplastics-are-swirling-around-in-the-atmosphere-where-they-might-be-contributing-to-climate-change-180988704/