Plastic went into things like Formica counters, refrigerator liners, car parts, clothing, shoes, just all sorts of stuff that was designed to be used for a while. Then things took a turn. Where we really started to get into trouble is when it started going into single-use stuff. I call it prefab litter. The outpouring of straws, cups, bags and other ephemera has led to disastrous consequences for the environment.