A Brief History of Plastic

Here’s a snapshot of its cultural arrival.

Humans have been using naturally sourced plastic for centuries, among them the Olmecs, considered one of the earliest Mesoamerican societies, who created bouncy sports balls made of rubber, a natural polymer. But plastic as we know it is still a relatively new product and has been humanity’s inescapable companion ever since it began filling homes, store shelves, and pop culture in the 20th century.