This goes deeper still. In our modern times they do not want you to sell or donate used clothing. To follow this many in foreign countries would lose a source of livelihood. Kenya is just one example.

Our lack of local economies gives large scale plastic production a guaranteed future. as long as we need a packaging that can survive for long distances and periods of time, we will need plastics. especially in the case of food, of which many products are shipped internationally.

I still resent the bastard the came up with plastic wrap for cd cases, not a millimeter of waste but damn near impossible to open. This after not buying a cd in over 20 years, still pissed.

When did Big Oil ever tell the truth.

Go glass, wash it and reuse it. If a product comes sealed in so much plastic you need a jackhammer to get at that tiny thing you want, don't buy it. It makes me sick how much is used in 'one use and toss'.

There is some hot research on plastic depolymerization. That seems to be a feasible way out of the plastic conundrum.
Plastic is a wonder material in many aspects. It is not easily replaced by degradable alternatives.

they knew abut the threat to the environment in the 40's and of course they knew about plastic