A Plastic World?

Here is an excellent documentary produced by the BBC on why we should cut down our use of plastic:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b0bmbn47/drowning-in-plastic#

However, there are some reasons I have found of why plastics are better:

• Plastics can be used in cars where less strength is needed to reduce the overall mass and allow lower energy consumption of fossil fuels and production of atmospheric pollutants. 
• Paul Fahy reports in an excellent article entitled Plastic Bag Propaganda published in 'The UK Column' that plastic bags are manufactured from a form of plastic derived from a by-product of the oil industry. If the by-product wasn't turned into plastic bags it would have to be burned off - increasing carbon dioxide emissions. So people who use plastic bags are actually helping to save the planet - not destroy it. The manufacture of plastic bags consumes less energy than the manufacture of paper bags. Plastic bags generate less solid waste than paper bags. And they are responsible for fewer atmospheric emissions.
• The properties that make plastic an environmental problem in seas are also some of the major assets of plastic.
• A material that can be constantly recycled is a great help to ecology and the economy, especially when the human population is growing rapidly and our lifestyle demands are increasing exponentially. The solution is not to ban plastic, but to ensure that it is used responsibly and recycled properly.
• Plastic kitchenware offers a practical alternative to glass and ceramic dishes. Plastic preserves flavour and freshness when used to store food and beverages. Leak-proof and child-resistant plastic containers are useful for holding dangerous household products such as bleach, ammonia,and other caustic cleaners.
• Plastic packaging withstands the rigors of shipping, and plastic containers provide good storage solutions at home and in the office.

After doing this research, although I feel the use of plastics should be reduced, better alternatives should be developed and increased recycling of plastics should be invested in.