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

1940s

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

1920s

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 – Eyeglasses1200s

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 – Eyeglasses1900s

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.