Plastic

Perhaps nothing…well, except maybe antibiotics, and come to think of it, microprocessors, and refined oil, and alternating current…but other than that (as long as I’m not missing something else) nothing has influenced the modern world in a physical and economic sense than plastics. From the bottles that hold antibiotics - and are tinted so as to not allow for ultraviolet breakdown of the medicinal product - to the containers that hold the microprocessors of computers, to the tubes that allow for the mixing of the chemicals in refining oil, to the socket covers that prevent you from sticking any appendages in your household alternating current sockets, plastics do can do it all. I’m quite sure we are all grateful for the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes that bring fresh water to our homes and take less than fresh water away. I feel an abject certainty that many a new bride’s day was just a slight bit better upon receiving her fancy dinnerware without cracks due to the immaculate packaging done with polystyrene (Styrofoam). No backyard party would be complete without the quintessential polypropylene (‘plastic’) red cups and higher density polypropylene plastic chairs; and don’t forget the sharp Lego piece to lead to an unintended toe piercing. And how could we go sailing without polyethylene terephthalate boat hulls and sails…oh, wait, they did use to make those out of wood, pitch, and cloth - but this design looks much cooler, and efficiency is on three up-and-up too! Plastics are nominally referred to as such because of their high, well, plasticity. That is to say, their near infinite capacity for taking on different forms and shapes depending on the task at hand. Before plastics came on the scene, however, the infinitely malleable material of the ancient world was clay. It is the potter’s job to mold the clay to the form and desired functionality that he intends. It is the clay’s job - much like the plastic - to be molded.