As a newly-minted ocean scientist, I feel concerned just how much we rely on "sterile" being "single-use disposable plastic." I understand we need to use the tools we have right now to get us through this but an entire medical industry based on plastics is simply not sustainable.

Don't get me wrong, plastics are a miracle of modern science and as we're witnessing, seemingly essential to keeping people alive in emergency situations. I think we need to develop better post-use procedures other than landfill. Or worse, ending up in the ocean.

We need a concerted, dedicated research program for actual recycling or energy production from post-consumer, post-medical plastics than we have today. Or plastics engineered to degrade quickly and gracefully after use. The current situation is making this painfully clear.