You overhear a friend saying, "Plastic is the worst thing that humans have ever invented.''

In four to five sentences, explain whether you agree or disagree with your friend's statement. Be sure to include facts that show the range of impacts that plastic has on human society and the environment.

I understand where my friend is coming from, as plastic pollution is a significant issue that is harming our planet. Plastic is not biodegradable, so it takes hundreds of years to break down in the environment, leading to massive amounts of plastic waste in oceans, landfills, and other ecosystems. This waste poses a threat to wildlife, as animals can ingest or become entangled in plastic debris. However, it's important to acknowledge that plastic has also brought numerous benefits to society, such as improving healthcare, packaging, and transportation industries. Rather than demonizing plastic as a whole, efforts should be made to reduce single-use plastics, increase recycling rates, and develop more sustainable alternatives.