[Fey]

This is actually more common than I think even the article realizes. It's MAINLY a vitamin thing. If you're going to buy Zeke anything get him better food and/or some vitamin supplements. Obviously this is if it's nutritional based. Most 'common' cat foods are really not good for your cat, so unless you're feeding something that doesn't have a cute cartoon kitty on the front you're probably not feeding him good stuff.

DO NOT cover everything in tin foil, as some cats love eating it and or chewing on it that can result in dental issues. I've never had a cat actively dislike oranges, BUT you can use clove oil to good effect and or mothballs(or just stuff that smells like camphor).

If, as you suspect, it's behaviour and mostly due to attention then you need to train YOURSELF first, then the cat. As of right now you're giving him lots of attention when he's going after things he shouldn't. So this means if he wants you to pay attention he does what he knows will get you over there STAT.

Instead give him loads of attention when he's doing something ELSE and IGNORE when he's going after plastic. If he suddenly finds that he gets more attention for something simple, like chasing a wadded up peice of paper(cheap cat toy) he'll do that rather than go after your six pack holder. It's hard to ignore bad behaviour, but we in effect CAUSE it by yelling/swatting/correcting it. So, when he DOES go after a qtip, break out a mangled paper clip and skitter it across the floor. As soon as he starts playing with it praise him and give ear skirtches.

Unlike dogs cats rarely go for 'up front' training, you have to be subtle about it, and it can take them longer because they KNOW that with time you'll revert to old behaviours. It's even harder when there's multiple people in a household that are doing it.