Maya Ellison
Before the 20th century, natural plastics such as horn, tortoiseshell, amber, rubber and shellac were used since antiquity. In the 1800s, plastic was discovered, but its use was limited to products like appliances, cars, and electronics. In the 1950s, improvements in plastic processing made it cheaper to produce and tap into mass production, unleashing the disposable plastic boom. Before this shift, people reused and repurposed items, with glass, metal, paper, and cardboard being common materials for containers and packaging. People also tended to eat more seasonal produce and store food in bulk.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic pollution | Did not exist |
| Plastic waste | Was not an issue |
| Consumer mindsets | Possessions were valued and maintained |
| Consumer behaviour | Reuse, repurpose, and repair |
| Consumer purchasing | Less frequent, more considered |
| Consumer products | Long-lasting, durable |
| Consumer waste | Minimal |
| Consumer packaging | Glass, cardboard, paper, metal, wood, natural fibres |
| Consumer habits | Cooking and making things from scratch |
| Consumer shopping | Bulk-buying, storing, and preserving |
| Consumer advertising | No marketing campaigns needed |
| Plastic products | Appliances, cars, electronics, nylon stockings, toys, clothing |
| Plastic production | Ethylene gas, petroleum, natural gas, fossil fuels |
| Plastic meaning | Pliable and easily shaped |
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What You'll Learn
People reused and repurposed items
Before the widespread use of plastic, people reused and repurposed items as part of their daily lives. This was out of necessity, as materials like plastic were not as readily available as they are today. People would reuse items to save money and resources, and repurpose them into new items to suit their needs.
For example, glass containers were commonly reused for storing food or other items, and wooden pallets can be crafted into furniture like coffee tables. People would also reuse paper bags and cardboard boxes, and repurpose them as gift wrappers or for storing items. In addition, metal toys and other metal items were often reused and passed down through families, lasting for years.
Another example of repurposing is using plastic straws to organise electrical cords or as chip bag clips. Old denim jeans can be repurposed into tote bags or quilts, and glass jars can be reused for storing food or other items. People would also reuse freezer bags and waxed cardboard milk cartons, treating these items with care as they were valuable commodities.
Reusing and repurposing items helps to reduce waste and conserve resources, as well as save money. It also helps to reduce the environmental impact of producing new items and the waste that ends up in landfills.
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Natural fibres were used for clothing
Before the widespread use of plastic, natural fibres were used for clothing. Natural fibre clothing is made from fibres produced by plants or animals. Examples of natural fibres include cotton, silk, linen, wool, hemp, and jute. Natural fibres have been used for clothing since humans first decided to cover up, and the production processes for these fabrics have often remained unchanged for millennia.
Natural fibres are long-lasting and become softer over time, resulting in timeless pieces that keep their shape and can get better with age if cared for correctly. They are also breathable, durable, naturally hypoallergenic, and feel great against the skin. In addition, natural fibres are less toxic than synthetic fibres, especially when produced through traditional methods, making them kinder to both the wearer and the environment.
The shift from natural fibres to synthetic fabrics, such as polyester, rayon, and nylon, occurred after World War II when Americans were ready to spend again, and much of what they bought was made of plastic. Plastic was initially seen as a desirable feature of products, representing something that was modern, versatile, and lightweight. However, perceptions began to change in the postwar years, with plastic debris in the oceans first observed in the 1960s. As awareness of environmental issues spread, plastic waste became a growing concern, and the word "plastic" gradually took on negative connotations, associated with something that was cheap, flimsy, or fake.
Today, many people are returning to natural fibres for clothing to reduce their plastic consumption and minimize the environmental impact of microplastics. Natural fibres are biodegradable and produce fewer microfibres when washed compared to synthetic fibres. By choosing natural fibres, individuals can support traditional production methods that are more sustainable, eco-friendly, and less energy-intensive than synthetic methods.
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Toys were made from wood and metal
Before the widespread use of plastic, toys were primarily made from wood and metal. The earliest toys were crafted from wood, with porcelain dolls and tin cars also being popular in the early 20th century. These toys were often handmade and painted with intricate details. For example, a wooden dog with wheels instead of paws that could be taken apart and reassembled like a puzzle. Metal toys, such as the Erector Set, Lionel train sets, and red Radio Flyer wagons, were also common and provided a sturdier alternative to wood.
Wooden toys were prized for their natural charm and craftsmanship. They were often crafted by local artisans and purchased at local markets, making each toy unique and special. Metal toys, on the other hand, were known for their durability and ability to withstand rough play. Metal cap guns, aircraft carriers, and pedal cars were among the popular metal toys that could last for years.
The shift from wooden and metal toys to plastic ones began in the mid-20th century. The development of plastics in the 19th century and the production of celluloid in 1869 marked the start of this transition. However, it was not until the 1940s and 1950s that plastic toys truly took over. Companies like Fisher Price revolutionised the toy industry by creating their entire product range in plastic, capitalising on the material's low cost, ease of production, and mouldability.
While plastic toys offered new possibilities for creative play and mass production, they also contributed to a throwaway culture. Plastic toys were cheaper and more accessible but often lacked the durability of their wooden and metal counterparts. The introduction of plastic toys created a market for short-lived fad toys, with some commenting that plastic ruined toys by reducing their longevity.
Despite the dominance of plastic, wooden and metal toys have retained their appeal. Many appreciate the durability, timelessness, and natural feel of wooden toys, while metal toys continue to be sought after for their unique designs and durability. Today, many toy manufacturers offer a mix of materials, recognising the benefits of each and providing a varied sensory experience for children.
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Glass, cardboard and tins were used for packaging
Before the widespread use of plastic, glass, cardboard, and tins were the primary materials used for packaging. Glass, in particular, has been used for packaging for thousands of years, with its origins dating back to 7000 B.C. as an offshoot of pottery. It was first industrialized in Egypt around 1500 B.C., using base materials such as limestone, soda, sand, and silica, which were readily available. Glass was valued for its durability and ability to preserve the contents, especially for high-value products.
Cardboard, on the other hand, became popular for packaging in the early 20th century. Nabisco led the way in 1898 by packaging their Uneeda brand crackers in waxed paper inside a tray-style cardboard box. Cardboard boxes were also commonly used for cereals, crackers, and other dry goods. They provided a lightweight and relatively durable option for transporting and storing these items.
Tins, made from metal, were another prevalent packaging material before plastic. The process of tin plating was discovered in Bohemia in A.D. 1200, and cans of iron coated with tin were used in Bavaria as early as the 14th century. Tins were often used for luxury items, candies, cookies, crackers, and other treats. They could be expensive, but they offered a level of protection and preservation that paper and cardboard could not provide.
Wooden boxes and barrels were also used for packaging, particularly for larger items or bulk goods. Additionally, cloth bags, with the specific fabric denoting the luxuriousness of the item, were employed for packaging certain goods.
The shift from these traditional packaging materials to plastic occurred gradually, with plastic becoming a significant player in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Plastic offered cost-effectiveness and resistance to breakage compared to glass, and it soon became the preferred choice for liquid containers in the 1960s. However, the versatility and durability of glass, cardboard, and tins ensured their continued use alongside plastic for specific applications.
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People cooked and crafted more at home
Before the widespread use of plastic, people's lifestyles and mindsets were markedly different. The absence of plastic meant that people placed greater value on their possessions and were more inclined to mend, fix, and repurpose items rather than simply replacing them. This culture of repairing and reusing extended to various aspects of daily life, including clothing, toys, appliances, and packaging.
In the kitchen, people cooked more from scratch and relied on seasonal ingredients. They purchased food in bulk and stored it carefully to minimise waste. Glass bottles and jars were commonly reused, and milk was delivered in glass bottles, which were returned, cleaned, and reused. Meat and chicken were wrapped in paper, and groceries were carried in paper bags, which were then reused as fire starters or for other purposes. Restaurants served takeaway food in reusable containers or wrapped it in newspaper.
People also crafted and created more at home, particularly when it came to toys and games. Before plastic toys became prevalent, children played with wooden blocks, metal construction sets, and active outdoor games like jump rope and hula hoops. These toys were often durable and could be passed down through multiple children. In addition to toys, people crafted their own kitchen rags from old clothing and found creative ways to repurpose items around the house.
The shift towards plastic occurred gradually, with significant developments in the late 19th century and a notable surge in plastic production after World War II. As plastic items became cheaper and more accessible, they replaced traditional materials and altered consumption patterns. While plastic has brought numerous benefits, the shift towards disposable items has contributed to environmental concerns, particularly plastic pollution. Recognising the value of pre-plastic habits, many individuals are now embracing more sustainable practices, such as cooking from scratch, repairing items, and reducing single-use plastic waste.
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Frequently asked questions
Before the widespread use of plastic, people used materials such as wood, metal, glass, cardboard, jute, leaves, cloth, pottery, and natural fibres like wool, linen, and cotton.
The processing of plastics improved in the 1950s, making it cheaper to produce and tap into mass production. This led to a surge in plastic production and a shift in consumer mindsets. Products that were once packaged in glass or cans were now sold in disposable, single-use plastic.
Before plastic, people valued their possessions and practised reusing, repurposing, and repairing items. With the introduction of cheap plastic goods, it became easier to discard broken items and buy replacements.
To reduce plastic pollution, individuals can adopt habits such as reusing and repairing items, refusing single-use plastic, bulk buying, buying local, and reducing food waste. Innovators are also working on making plastics more sustainable by developing biodegradable bioplastics made from plant crops.
