The Wonders of Plastics?

Question

Ughh.... plastics report for my C.I.M class.
Can anyone tell me how plastics improve our lifestyle, or how they help us or benefit us?

Answer 1

Plastics are easily recyclable, not as dangerous because they do not break as easily as glass, disposable, they are corrosive resistant. Plastics are biodegradable in landfills where as many other products are not.
Also, here is a link to uses of plastic. http://www.americanplasticscouncil.org/s_apc/sec.asp?CID=312&DID=930

Answer 2

1st answerer should temper his enthusiasm. Indeed plastics are generally tougher than glass and less corrodable than the cheaper metals, but only a few are biodegradable. Some types are still refused in many recycling programs. But here are a few ways they do improve our quality of life: lighter weight and thinner lenses in corrective glasses (due to lower density and higher index of refraction than glass); protective coatings; adhesives such as epoxy and superglue; high-strength structural materials (ABS, Delrin, and many others) and windows (Lexan); break-resistant containers, strong fibers like Kevlar for tough tires and bulletproof vests; many more. "Improvements" I could do without: adding unnecessary plastic items to paper or cardboard containers, such as a spout and cap to a milk container, or plastic impregnating containers of dry materials, so they aren't recyclable as paper.