Better Things for Better People - Marketing of Plastics
After World War II, consumers could have access to plastics via vinyl siding, linoleum, tabletops, rugs, clothing, phonograph records, computers, and thousands of other products.10 The promise of ''Better things for better living…through chemistry.'' was an advertising motto of the E.I. Dupont Corporation that mesmerized Americans and provided a sense of affluence. The plastic giant produced Nylons, Rayon fiber, and cellophane for food packaging. Americans were living in convenience and loving it!
The Dow Chemical Company joined in and proved to be a strong force in plastics with the creation of Styron in 1937 at $ 0.68 per pound! Beautifully colored picnic forks and spoons made from this new product were illustrated for Monsanto's Lustron and described as "best sellers for exclusive shops for two years".11 The public bought them at a premium price of $ 2.50 (talk about markup!) These tactics not only proved to be successful, but are commonly used today. We run out to get the "latest and greatest" gadget before others have access, often paying extravagant amounts of money. Technology has provided a continuous cycle of "have to have it now" attached with feelings of entitlement, leisure and superiority seen in commercials, songs, and every type of media you can find. Advertising works! We are definitely hooked on plastics. There's no turning back.
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