It makes no sense that we invent a material designed to last forever, then make products from it that are designed to be thrown away.  There are two solutions that are working around the world to end the Age of Disposable Plastic, and recycling isn’t top on the list.  First, bring your own reusables.  Second, support legislation to curb consumption of single-use plastics.
BRING YOUR OWN means eliminating single-use, disposable plastic from you lifestyle.  It is easy to bring your own reusable cloth grocery bag to the store, as well as a stainless steel waterbottle and coffee mug everywhere you go.  Slip a spoon, fork and napkin in your purse or backpack.  Visit www.bringyourown.org for more information, and www.ecousable.com for a great deal on stainless steel waterbottles.
SUPPORT LEGISLATION in your community or state to end the Age of Disposable Plastic.  Already around the world, and now across the United States, people are beginning to understand the human health effects of synthetic compounds in our bodies, in our environment, and the enormous economic impact of plastic waste on our streets, in our watersheds, and filling landfills.  Find out what’s happening in your neighborhood to ban or place fees on products like single-use plastic bags, waterbottles, polystyrene cups and to-go packaging.  Fees are a choice, not a tax, and they WORK!  Placing a ban on single-use plastics saves far more of your communities cash down the line. 
RECYCLING is good for paper, metal, glass and other materials, but the idea that plastic is recycled the same way is a MYTH.  Although plastic can technically be refined and made back into the original product again, it’s not cost effective, so few if any companies do it.  America’s largest landfill in Puente Hills, California reclaims thousands of tons of plastic bags and bottles. When asked, “Where does it go?” the supervisor exclaimed, “China”.  The few companies that receive America’s plastic waste will DOWNCYCLE it into products like fake-lumber or carpeting, which are typically not reused again.   What plastic recycling really means in America is “Send our trash to another country,” or “Reuse it once to make products destined for a landfill anyway.”