The terms 'single-use' and 'throwaway' often confuse the discussion. For example, some plastic components -- those in in a car, in a refrigerator, in a sound-sy

The terms 'single-use' and 'throwaway' often confuse the discussion. For example, some plastic components -- those in in a car, in a refrigerator, in a sound-system, in a thick plastic rope -- are 'single-use', but are useful over a long period. Some short-term forms of plastic use are a very poor energy investment. That's a problem because energy is finite, waste is a long-term threat. This is in part a design problem, in part a problem of ignorance, in part a problem of ignoring/hiding externalities for lower costs and quick profits ... etc. etc. It's unfortunate that plastic has often become the only available option. I'd be glad to pay more (money, time) for some containers that I don't -have- bring home and -have- to toss into the recycling bin knowing their fate. It looks as though until enough people are willing to make that choice, this ongoing energy waste (being charged to the accounts of future generations) will never end.