To understand our current problem, we must go back in history to understand its origin. It really starts in 1839 when Charles Goodyear accidentally discovered vulcanization of rubber by adding Sulphur and heat. This made rubber a much more durable material and it spurned the production of semi-synthetic products made with materials that were partially modified from their natural state to make them more practical and durable. The word plastic comes from the Greek word “plastikos” which means “capable of being shaped or molded.”
Alexander Parkes invented the first synthetic plastic, which he named Parkesine, in 1855. It was made from cellulose and could be molded when heated. It was initially used in a variety of applications, primarily as a replacement for animal products such as ivory, tortoiseshell, and horn, in the production of combs, buttons and other small personal items, as well as a waterproof coating for fabrics. Importantly, it was a sought-after replacement for natural ivory in billiard balls. It was a brittle material, and susceptible to cracking and yellowing over time. In 1869, celluloid was invented by John Wesley Hyatt. It was also made from cellulose, and was transparent, flexible, and moldable when heated. It found acceptance in making the same sort of products that parkesine did. Celluloid was also used as the first type of film for motion pictures in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s.
In 1907, Leo Hendrik Baekeland invented Bakelite, the first true synthetic plastic. He was also the first to refer to his material as ‘plastic.’ It was made by polymerizing phenol and formaldehyde, and it could be molded into many shapes. It was the first true synthetic plastic, and was superior to celluloid as it was heat-resistant, more durable, and was an electrical insulator. As is such, it was used as an electrical insulator, for automotive parts and all types of consumer goods. Bakelite was a major breakthrough, and it and Catalin, a similar substance, paved the way for the development of modern plastics. Other notable materials debuted in the early and middle part of the 1900’s, including Cellophane, introducead as a commercial product in the 1920’s, Nylon, Polystyrene and PVC (polyvinyl chloride) in the 1930’s, Polyethylene and ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene Styrene) came along in the 1940’s. Another very popular synthetic plastic, polyester, debuted in 1945.
During World War II, plastics played a crucial role in various military applications. Plastics were used in aircraft parts, parachutes, helmets and other military equipment. The demand for plastics increased greatly during this period, leading to research and therefore further advances in plastic technologies. Following the conclusion of the war, plastics manufacturers shifted their focus from military applications to consumer products as well as products for industry and construction. Plastics began to be used in a wide range of consumer goods, such as toys, appliances, and packaging.
An iconic and dubious article appeared in the August 1, 1955 issue of Life Magazine, entitled “Throwaway Living.” It featured the stereotypical ‘nuclear family’ tossing single-use items into the air in a celebratory fashion. The 1950’s marked a time of significant economic growth in the US, with rising incomes and a booming manufacturing sector. It was a time of significant technological advances, the shift to a suburban lifestyle, materialism and consumerism, and disposable culture. At the time, post-war consumer culture was dominated by convenience and efficiency. The article pointed to the futility of spending 40 hours cleaning the items in the photo, when one could literally throw them away and more enjoyably spend that time in pursuit of leisure and recreational activities. So, our obsession with Throwaway Culture began.
The unfortunate thing we now all realize is, there is really no such thing as ‘away’.
