Why are plastic widely used today?

Plastic plays many important roles in life on Earth, but the widespread use of plastic is also causing environmental problems. Plastic should be used wisely because it forms much of the packaging for our food and drink. For many of us, it is throughout our home, in workplace, in car, the bus we take to and from school. It can be in our clothing, eyeglasses, teeth, toothbrush, computers, phones, dishes, utensils, toys. The list goes on.