What is PVC and why is it harmful to the environment?

PVC has gained prominence in manufacturing because it’s so highly adaptable, readily available, and inexpensive to produce and purchase. However, with something so low-cost it often comes with a nasty side, and a heftier price tag long-term. In this case, that cheap, supposedly inoffensive section of PVC pipe work or vinyl play toy is doing more harm than good to our environment.