Here is the finished essay:
Plastic, for better or for worse, is the critical building block of our modern world. From autiomobiles, to space and beyond, almost all current human activity involves plastic on some level. To use a practical example, the pen which was used to write this would not be possible without plastic.
Plastic has a very large role in production of manufactured goods. Twenty years agim the majority of a car's shell was made of steel. Tiday, plastic has risen to the spot of the top building component. Fifty years ago, milk was delivered in metal canisters. Today, milk is sold at the corner store in plastic jugs. Simlar changes have taken place in computer, house, and household goods production.
Plastic has made possible the modern "disposal society". Paper plates, plastic cups, and short-erm use appliances are all part of the modern notion to replace instead of conserve. Plastic holds a unique status in this revolution. Plastic was the catalysis that started the trend, yey plastic is also the cure to many of its ails. Plastic is the most recyclable resource on the earth. Plastic makes up close to 60% of the recycled goods in the United States.
Plastic also contributes a fair share to pollution due to the way in which it is produced and what it is made of. Plastics are made of hydrocarbons, which are in effect, petrol. The same thing which we sit in is used to fuel our cars. Plastic, once again, shows its versatility to the world by leading the way in the next generation of energy. Plastic is a critical building component in hydrogne fuel cells.
For all of its shortcomings, plastic is an interdependent part of our society. Although being a part of the problems of today, plastics are leading the way to a cleaner, more efficent toworrow.