We’re addicted to plastic. Think about it: What would you do without garbage bags or credit cards or headphones? Plastic has been around for only about 150 years, but it’s hard to imagine life without it. This video investigates how it became a such an important part of modern life and when the tide began to turn against it. This story is part of
Planet or Plastic?—our multiyear effort to raise awareness about the global plastic-waste crisis. Learn what you can do to avoid single-use plastics, and take our
pledge to reduce your own usage.