Many product manufacturers, such as soda bottlers, have only recently switched from an easily recyclable container to plastic. The American Plastics Council does not include source reduction in its charter and overlooked it until recently, when it began promoting lighter-weight packages as a form of source reduction. Unfortunately this does not cut down on the number of containers produced for single use packaging. Ultimately, reducing lies in the hands of consumers, retailers, and elected officials and those willing to pressure retailers and manufacturers for more recyclable packaging. Container reuse has benefits too.
Some grocery stores carry soaps, detergents, milk, foods and other items in refillable containers.
Since refillable plastic containers can be reused many times, container reuse could substantially reduce the demand for disposable plastic. This would reduce use of materials and energy, as well as potential environmental impacts. If reuse becomes a market objective with consumer demand, plastic manufacturers and container designers will consider the service the container provides and hopefully design for reuse instead of disposal. A variety of groups are working to mitigate the environmental and health effects that plastics create both locally and internationally. This group is spearheading the effort to increase the recycled content of plastic pakaging.