In 1907 Leo Baekeland invented the first plastic called Bakelite that contained no molecules that existed
in nature. It was 100% synthetic. Bakelite was invented to meet the demands of a rapidly growing
electrical industry in the U.S. Many were excited about the invention because it didn’t only serve as a
good insulator, but it was also durable, heat resistant and at the same time flexible enough to be shaped
in many other products. It was multipurpose and was marketed as the “material of a thousand uses.”
(science History Institute, n.d.) After many, many years of widespread use plastic was recognized to be
not environmentally friendly and the prestige it once had was loss.
Today, plastic is still frequently used and continues to have a negative impact on the environment when
not disposed properly. Plastic that gets into drain systems blocks drain water way contributing to
flooding, loss of lives and property. Plastic containers and bags that are discarded unproperly can
become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are deadly insects as they are carriers of
diseases that can be spread to human causing deaths, and sickness that can burden the health sector.
Many plastics containing hazardous chemicals end up in landfills. These chemicals get into the soil and
may get into ground water and surrounding water sources. When this happens, it contaminates portable
water and causing people who consume the water to become sick. Plastic also has many beneficial uses
however when not disposed of properly can have devastating consequences to communities and the
country as a whole.
To help mitigate against the potential negative effects of plastic pollution my family can find substitute
for plastic items, we could use reusable bags, dispose of plastic properly, and volunteer to clean the
beach and roadways that are littered by plastic.
Some business places in the U.S. such as supermarkets, and stores, have a no plastic bag policy e.g. Aldo.
Others for e.g. Kroger and Walmart does not have a full ban on the use of single use plastic bags but
offers their customers alternatives in the form of paper bags and reusable bags. On the other hand,
some states such as California have a statewide ban on the use of single-use plastic bags while New York
ban on the use of single use plastic bag use will become effective 2020 (National Conference of State
Legislator, April, 5 2019) We all have a responsibility to protect our environment. Let us all do what we
can to preserve it.
References
National Conference of State Legislator, (April, 5 2019) retrieved from State Plastic and Paper Bag
Legislation http://www.ncsl.org/research/environment-and-natural-resources/plastic-bag-
legislation.aspx
Science History Institute (n.d.) The History and future of plastic retrieved from
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller academicexcellence. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $7.99. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.