Plastics are inspired by nature, i.e., natural polymers, but are completely synthetic. Most polymers are made up of carbon and hydrogen atoms, and many plastics are as well. Polymers that contain hydrogen and carbon atoms are called hydrocarbons. Carbon atoms can form single bonds to four other atoms.

Water bottles and straws are composed of single-use plastic, which we use to fulfil our need for water. Plastic cutlery used to consume meals at food booths is composed of single-use plastic.

PVC. Polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, is widely known as the most toxic plastic for health and the environment. In its production, it releases dioxins, phthalates, vinyl chloride, ethylene dichloride, lead, cadmium and other toxic chemicals.

The average American uses about 0.34 kilograms of plastic every day. This is almost triple the amount used by the other North American countries Canada and Mexico that use just 0.09 kg/person each day. This makes the U.S the second-highest consumer of plastic on earth, using 37.83 million tons each year.