What you learned in school
Science and technology classes in the 1950s and 1960s promoted plastic as the miracle material that would solve all packaging problems. Students learned that plastic was lightweight, durable, waterproof, and infinitely versatile - the perfect replacement for glass, paper, and metal containers. Textbooks described plastic as a technological triumph that would improve quality of life while being economical and practical. The environmental impact was not discussed, as plastic was seen as purely beneficial with no downsides.
What we know now
Science and technology classes taught that plastic was the perfect packaging material - lightweight, durable, waterproof, and versatile. Students learned about plastic as a technological triumph that would improve life quality. Plastic pollution has created massive environmental problems including ocean garbage patches, microplastics in food chains, and persistent waste that takes centuries to decompose. Plastic production contributes to climate change, and plastic additives can be toxic. While plastic has benefits, the environmental costs were not anticipated when it was promoted as a universal solution to packaging needs.