Go further in this analysis. How, precisely? Congress is so beholden to special interest groups with a stake in plastic, from petrochemicals to bottling industries, that it seems paralyzed to do anything about it. Does the American government have the regulatory authority to halt plastics absent legislation? It does not seem to be so.

What other ways aside from depending on government?

There is no other way. Vote for and advocate for regulation. Otherwise yeah, we're fucked.

Step 1: Get the GOP out of power in our federal government.

(Not suggesting every Dem would be active in pushing this forward, but those who aren't wouldn't be successful in stopping those who are)