It surrounds us. It is in every place we go, on the street, on the beach or the woods. We see it when we climb a mountain or go for a swim. It is there, evidence of our willful neglect or ingenious inventiveness. It is our own man-made friend and already a destructive enemy. It is causing much permanent and irreversible harm to us and also to the creatures of the planet. Yes, you guessed it, it is plastic.
 

Though it is a relatively new product, plastic is all around us, sometimes for good, but more often as toxic waste. But its uses are many and varied.
 
It insulates electric wiring and makes it safe. Most light switches and plugs are made of plastic and it is also used to make pipes that transport our drinking water and sewage.
 

In July this year, the Swedish automobile manufacturer, Volvo, announced it will cease putting internal combustion engines in its cars in 2019 and will only make fully electric or hybrid models.
 
This is the boldest commitment by any automotive company so far in the development of electric or hybrid cars. But other manufacturers are also moving in that direction and this year, General Motors launched the Chevrolet Bolt, which is a battery powered car.