Plastic: Refuse, Reuse, Recycle, Re-purpose

Americans these days are increasingly aware of the harm done to our global environment by plastic, polystyrene, and related petroleum-based products that are commonly used in packaging consumer goods, consuming food and drink, and storing leftovers. Unfortunately, it’s not yet feasible to live entirely without it. So how can we minimize our use of plastic and, if we must use it, what happens to it after we dispose of it in our recycle bins, in our trash, or worst of all, in our oceans? What are better options going forward, and how can environmentalists and climate activists help accelerate the change to sustainable, planet-friendly materials?