Humankind’s legacy is basically garbage
Humanity’s legacy lies in our garbage. Trash offers archaeologists insight into the day-to-day lifestyles of people long past. Even today, we’re leaving future excavators plenty of specimens to ponder: Most Americans produce around 4.5 pounds of waste each day. This time-traveling dumpster dive shows some of the most revealing junk we’ve accumulated over the past couple of millennia—and the things we’re tossing now that will exist long after we’re gone.Click here to view the full illustration.21st century: WorldwideWe toss more than 40 million tons of cracked phone carcasses and other e-waste each year. Much is shipped to developing countries, where workers strip precious bits—like rare-earth metals—and chuck the rest. This “recycling” will leave mountains of petrified plastic, toxic chemicals, and metal scraps.20th century - United States (Erik Svetoft/)20th century: United States Plastics popularized during World War II began to take over our lives when soldiers came home. The first Tupperware...