What did everyday life look like before plastic became part of everything we touch?

In this episode of Sustainability Unplugged, we rewind the clock to explore life before plastic — from grocery shopping and food storage to household goods, clothing, and personal care. We break down how plastic was originally invented with good intentions, how it rapidly expanded after World War II, and how convenience reshaped the way we live.

We also talk about what was lost along the way, what life got right before plastic took over, and how many of those habits are making a comeback today. Plus, we share simple ways we’re already re-adopting low-waste practices — proving that living with less plastic doesn’t mean going backward.

#LifeBeforePlastic #SustainabilityUnplugged #EcoPodcast #ClimatePodcast #EcoFriendlyLiving

00:00 Life Updates and Pantry Challenges

09:13 The Impact of Plastic on Daily Life

11:11 History of Plastic: From Invention to Ubiquity

19:40 Life Before Plastic: A Return to Simplicity

23:05 Canning Adventures and Food Preservation

25:16 The Evolution of Grocery Shopping

27:38 Household Products: A Look Back

31:58 Toys and Clothing: The Past's Practicality

34:22 The Plastics Hall of Fame and Its Impact

37:09 The Dual Nature of Plastic

39:09 Modern Sustainability Practices

41:42 Exploring Plastic-Free Alternatives

https://www.sciencehistory.org/education/classroom-activities/role-playing-games/case-of-plastics/history-and-future-of-plastics/

https://www.onebrownplanet.com/life_before_plastic/

https://www.lifebeforeplastic.co.uk/

https://plasticshof.org/