The US Plastics Blind-spot?

Alexander Hurst contrasts the very different attitudes to single-use plastics in France and the US (https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/sep/21/europe-is-beating-its-addiction-to-plastics-why-is-the-us-so-far-behind). Hurst notes that, in France, EU laws have effectively banned plastics from fast food chains and shops. These items have been successfully replaced with paper, wood and other biodegradable alternatives. In contrast, in the US, plastic cutlery, straws, coffee cups and wrappings appear almost ubiquitous. This seems strange as most Americans have become fully aware of the dangers of climate change. They must also know that a) petrochemicals are used to generate plastics; b) most plastics are not readily biodegradable; c) plastic items can kill other organisms (especially in marine environments) and d) microplastics (produced when plastic items fragment) are incorporated into food chains, with serious health consequences. Could be simply be that most plastics manufacturers are US based? Or is it because they find plastics so convenient?