1. Pre-Plastic Era vs. Post Plastic Era

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.