Plastic is all around us.  Plastics are the things we love most. Plastic is like a loved one, we aren’t appreciative of it until it's gone. Although plastic doesn’t always have the best reputation, plastic is needed.  Everyone uses plastic daily. Most importantly, plastic is my childhood. My favorite toys ever were created out of plastic.

When I was a little kid, all I needed was a mini-hoop and a ball.  Both of these items are made out of plastic, and both of them created countless memories.  I would play with that door-held hoop for hours on end and never get tired.  Whether I was just shooting for fun or trying to reenact and mock my favorite players, I had fun.  I will cherish my mini-hoop forever as it remains in the same spot.  I'll never forget playing against my friends or dad and bringing that competitive nature inside during a cold Wisconsin winter day.  My favorite sport is basketball and without plastic, the sport is not complete.  From the shoes to parts of the hoop to the uniforms to the ball, plastic plays an important role in the execution of the sport.  I wouldn’t trade plastic for my sport.

Another toy that hits close to home is my collection of cars.  Whether they be Hot Wheels or cars from kids' movies, they made my childhood worth living. I enjoyed rolling them around the wood floors in my kitchen or specialized racetracks.  Nobody had a better collection than me. My favorites however were my Lightning McQueen cars.  Cars was and forever will be my favorite kids/animated movie, and having my version of Lightning McQueen is very special to a kid.  Plastic could never take that away from me.  Plastic made those memories with those cars.  Plastic put a smile on my face.  I wouldn’t trade plastic for my childhood cars.  

Finally, one of the most transformative toys of my generation, LEGOS.  LEGOs are one of the greatest toys ever created as they remain just as popular if not more popular today than when my generation was little kids.  LEGOS as we all know are made of plastic.  Who would have thought that plastic would create the most versatile toy of all time and create countless memories for not only me but people around the world?  LEGOs can be recognized internationally and almost every kid has had a set on their Christmas list at one point. They can be enjoyed with box sets, free building, and even collecting.  I have built plenty of sets in my time and even loved collecting the little figures to place in whatever piece I wanted. My favorite pieces were my Star Wars LEGOs and my most valuable ones are my architecture ones.  I am a proud owner of the Falling Water Frank Lloyd Wright set and this item is very sought after among collectors.  I also had boxes upon boxes of just LEGO pieces without any guiding books, just strictly bricks.  The ideas are endless and to take plastic away would be taking the creative minds of millions.  

Plastic has impacted the childhoods of many including myself.  Whether it’s packaging for an item or a childhood toy, plastic gives people value in almost everything.  Plastic is an important part of society.  Plastic is needed in society. Plastic is all around us.