Uses of Plastics

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Economic, Environmental, Political Uses of Plastic Plastics are "one of the greatest innovations of the millennium" (on the cover of Newsweek) and have certainly proved their reputation to be true; it has been the most used material in the United States since 1976. There are a myriad ways that plastic is and will be used in the years to come. The fact that plastic is lightweight, does not rust or rot, helps lower transportation costs and conserves natural resources is the reason for which plastic has gained this much popularity. Plastics are everywhere and have innumerable uses! Plastics are durable, lightweight, and reusable. Also, the are used in packaging many goods. Did you know that researches are trying to make a television (made of plastic) that will roll up in your living room? In the following paragraphs, I will discuss some of the countless number of ways that plastics change your life. Economic The plastic industry, which barely existed about fifty years ago, now is helping the United States economy greatly! In 1996, shipments of plastics added up to an amazing $274.5 billion, a fifty-five percent increase from 1991. Also in 1996, the plastic industry employed more than 1,337,700 jobs. Plastics are everywhere! From your pillows and mattresses (cellular polyurethane or polyester) to cars and hi-tech computers, plastics are there. Since plastic is an insulator, plastic is used to cover almost all wires and electric cords. Did you know that if the Titanic was made of plastic, it might still be cruising around the world? Plastics are exactly like the Titanic, colossal in many people's current lifestyle, and will be in their future lifestyle. Manufacturers are dependent on plastic to save them money on packaging, as they use one-third of the total United States production. They choose strong and lightweight plastics to deliver the same
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