So how did we get here?
Plastic production began in the early 19th century with the development of the first fully synthetic plastic, Bakelite, which was invented in 1907 by Leo Baekeland. This marked the beginning of the modern plastics era. Over the decades, plastic production has grown exponentially due to its versatility, durability, and low cost of production.
Here’s a brief overview of its growth:
Early 20th Century
Bakelite and other early plastics were primarily used for industrial and military applications, such as electrical insulation and aircraft components.
Mid-20th Century
The 1940s and 1950s saw the widespread adoption of plastics in consumer goods and packaging. This period also saw the development of new types of plastics, such as polyethylene and polypropylene.
Late 20th Century
Plastics became ubiquitous in everyday life, with applications ranging from household items to automotive parts. Single-use plastics, such as bottles, bags, and packaging, became increasingly common.
21st Century
Plastic production continued to soar, reaching over 350 million metric tons per year by the early 2000s. However, concerns about plastic pollution and environmental impact began to rise, leading to efforts to reduce plastic usage and increase recycling.
Today
Plastic production continues to grow, albeit with increasing scrutiny on its environmental impact. Efforts to develop biodegradable plastics, improve recycling infrastructure, and reduce single-use plastics are underway to address these concerns.
What can we do about it?
“We can start by changing what we buy, what we eat, and what we do with our time—one day at a time…Right now, more than ever, there is sufficient evidence that we as human beings are living unsustainably, and that the earth’s natural resources essential for life, are being depleted at an unprecedented rate. The importance of maintaining sustainability goes without saying. Therefore it is everyone’s job to take the necessary action to protect the earth’s precious resources for ourselves and for the future generations to come.”
—No More Plastic Packaging
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