Chemist and materials scientist Chris DeArmitt's book “The Plastics Paradox: Facts for a Brighter Future” shows that plastics are better than the alternatives for both human health and the environment. Other materials use more energy and produce more waste. Neither cities, states, nor the federal government, should discourage the use of plastic bags, straws, utensils, or packaging. Claims that plastic is bad for the environment are based on myths. There’s no research to back up such claims. By contrast, thousands of peer reviewed papers demonstrate that plastics are a boon for humans and the environment. DeArmitt's analysis shows you can be for the environment or against plastics, but you can't be both.