Plastic has a long history that dates back to as early as 1869 with the development of the first synthetic polymer material which was used in billiard balls as a substitute for ivory. It was made popular in the 1940s, as WWII required an increase in production and the demand for resources rose above the supply. An abundance of new materials was developed for use in clothing, packaging, and machine parts with the popularity of synthetic materials continuing even after the war was over. In our present-day, plastics play a vital role in maintaining our lifestyles as they exist in almost every type of product we use. Whether it is food packaging, electronics, clothing, furniture, or many more options, you’d be surprised to know that it is almost impossible to go on with our everyday life without using plastic.
Â
Realizing how much plastic we use in our everyday objects makes it clear that a completely plastic-free lifestyle is near nonexistent. Although plastics seem to have a bad reputation for the environmental strain they cause, it is important to keep in mind that there are many other factors before reaching a judgment. Considering the convenience of plastics in our day-to-day lives, it is too great to overlook. Nonetheless, there are certain circumstances where plastic may in fact be a more environmentally friendly option than alternatives such as glass, wood, and metal. They can serve as a substitute but not be environmentally friendly. For example, a large amount of heat energy is needed in order to melt glass and form it into the needed shapes. Wood products also require the harvesting of trees, which in turn harms natural ecosystems. In addition, all three of these materials are heavier than plastic, and this affects the amount of energy that is needed for their transportation.
All things considered, plastics play a major role in our lives that cannot simply be replaced by other materials. We all encounter an abundance of plastic from the moment we open our eyes till the end of the day. For instance, your day starts with your alarm clock ringing as you climb out of bed and grab your glasses case, and put the frames on. You head to the bathroom and grab your toothbrush and toothpaste tube, then you open your closet, take out an outfit, button up your shirt, and grab your hairbrush. You head to the kitchen, open the pantry for breakfast, and pull the cereal box down to pour in a bowl. You might also take the milk carton or the juice box, turn on the coffee maker, and take your cup of coffee to your car as you fasten your seatbelt and head on to work. Just as you’ve dealt with numerous plastic supplies, you’ll also use countless more at the office and the restaurant or gym you might head to after work. You’ve now realized how many everyday objects contain plastic in our lives, which makes us wonder, what would life be like without plastic?
