Abstract
Since the commercial production of plastics first began, our use of this durable and convenient material, as well as our dependence and addiction that penetrates to the heart of modern society and its infrastructures, has increased. This chapter explores the nature and extent of that reliance through the lens of Maslow's hierarchy of needs to consider which areas of our plastic use are really necessary rather than just convenient or desirable. Safety and physiological hygiene factors are discussed to establish a basis for prioritization coupled with consideration of key design parameters to establish whether these plastics can be (a) avoided by using a different product or activity; (b) reduced through design; or (c) replaced by another material. The role of plastics in areas of priority including food production, medicine and health, and electronics is discussed along with the challenges of finding appropriate alternatives to help break our plastic addiction without causing serious negative consequences for society.
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