The report holds that the U.S. must begin to consider actions that will reduce the negative environmental impacts produced by the present packaging systems. Observers are, for example, beginning to see limits to the availability of raw materials needed to make some packaging materials. Second is the rapid depletion of the energy sources required for the production of packaging. In addition to the natural-resource issue, it is important to recognize the potential reduction in pollution that would result from reusing and recycling containers. A new system is needed in which consumption is decreased, and materials are reused and recycled.