Office Plastic

It occurred to me that if we didn't have plastic, life in the office would be rather different. I don't know if it would be better or worse actually, probably a bit of both. Some things we use all the time are primarily built from plastic - computers, pens, telephones and the like - hard to imagine how heavy and bulky they'd be if plastic wasn't available. Kind of conjures up images of the old clunky Bakelite telephone of yesteryear. On the other hand, the proliferation of cheap plastic goods does actually cheapen the general look of an office. Cheap trays, flimsy book ends and other utilitarian items don't do much to help contribute to a professional look. On the other hand, metal and wood can contribute if used in the right ways.
In reading this page about different desk trays and styles of trays, it occured to me that the plastic trays on my credenza really do look cheap. My new LCD monitor by contrast looks sleek and stylish. Both are made from what would appear to be a similar type of plastic. Interesting.