Pre-Plastic Era vs. Post Plastic Era

Pre-Plastic Era – The Toothbrush Dated back as far as 3500 BC The earliest know toothbrush was made by chewing on a twig until it became soft like a brush. 1600s – 1800s The next invention of the toothbrush is made from bone handles and bristles made from pig hair.

Post-Plastic Era – The Toothbrush The introduction of Nylon leads to the next tooth brush design where bristles are made of nylon, which is softer and more hygienic. 1950s - introduction to electronic toothbrushes 1980s - introduction to rotary toothbrushes

Pre-Plastic Era – The Pen 600 – 1800 AD After paper was invented the, most common writing instrument was a quill from a bird (i.e. goose) dipped in an inkwell 1800s Mass production of steel pen points makes quill pens obsolete

Post-Plastic Era – The Pen Early ballpoint pens made with colored plastic. Very expensive though 1960s Disposable ball point pens were readily available to people. The widespread use of plastic and the development of the non-leaky ball point pen reduced costs.

Pre-Plastic Era – Eyeglasses First eyeglasses believed to be made in Italy. They were set in bone, metal, or leather and balanced on the bridge of the nose 1800s Eyeglasses were made of metal and glass. The stronger the prescription, the heavier the glass.

Post-Plastic Era – Eyeglasses Widespread use of plastic replaced heavy metal frames with lighter, colorful plastic frames and the glass lens was replaced with lighter material as well, offering more comfortable designs. Of course, all metal was not eliminated because some frames are still made of metal and the hinges are made of metal. In addition, without synthetic materials, contact lenses would not exist as well.