Cups, packing material, plates and other items have been made from polystyrene or styrofoam as it is known as well. This material can be an ecological nightmare if not disposed of properly. Because it is brittle and light weight it's easy for this material to fly around in the wind and break apart in the environment. Foamed polystyrene is one of our country's most ubiquitous examples of over-processed, overabundant and unnecessary throw-away packaging, and also one of the most costly. Learn why it's a good thing to avoid styrofoam and opt for other alternatives.
 As of recent styrene has been noted as a likely carcinogen according to a 2011 Report on Carcinogens, Dept. of Health and Human Services polystyrene, it can be harmful not only to our environment but to also to all living creatures. Learn more by clicking here to read the report. |
IT TAKES OVER 1 MILLION YEARS FOR STYROFOAM TO DECOMPOSE IF AT ALL
DID YOU KNOW?
- Polystyrene food packaging is a serious and readily preventable source of marine debris pollution. Polystyrene food packaging is lightweight and areodynamic, so it is easily blown into gutters and storm drains even when "properly" disposed of. Polystyrene is also very brittle, so when littered it quickly breaks into small pieces, making cleanup impossible.
2.6 million tons of polystyrene are produced in the United States, California alone, including an estimated 1 million tons of food service packaging! That's 1 million tons of over-processed plastics designed to head straight to the landfill after a use time of a minute or less, the time it takes you to drink your coffee and toss the cup.
Once in the marine environment, polystyrene kills marine wildlife because it mimics food but causes starvation or choking if ingested. Polystyrene food packaging contributes disproportionally to oceanic plastic pollution. Over 80% of this plastic pollution comes from urban litter.
Almost no polystyrene food packaging is recycled anywhere in the country, although the plastics industry has attempted to recycle polystyrene transport packaging (at a cost of thousands of dollars per ton). Most curbside recycling programs in the US do not accept any polystyrene plastic resin because it contaminates recycling and is too easily accidentally littered in transportation.- Polystyrene food packaging is extremely costly to local governments, some of whom are required by law to achieve "zero" trash litter in impaired waterways. Litter clean-up costs billions, and yet is still ineffective. Polystyrene litter must be stopped at its source.
Styrofoam Ban
It is time for a national ban on the use of styrofoam (polystyrene) disposable food service containers. Because affordable biodegradable alternatives exist, leading US cities (e.g., Portland, Berkeley, San Francisco, Oakland) have successfully proven that a styrofoam ban is good for business, consumers and the environment. Styrofoam (polystyrene) is a petroleum-based byproduct often used for food packaging purposes. Styrofoam food packages are not generally recyclable and are non-biodegradable (it does not decay into constituent substances). Because the environmental cost of its use is not included in its purchase price, styrofoam remains one of the cheapest and available food service containers. Because the styrofoam food packaging is so popular, many consumer and restaurant suppliers do not even stock alternatives. Availability often depends on local legislation – consumer driven Styrofoam bans. Leading US cities have successfully banned styrofoam with great success and without excessive hardship on food service vendors.
Recycling
Food service styrofoam products are not recycled. Alternative food service products are available on the market at a reasonable cost and can be reused, composted or recycled.
Pollution and Litter
The creation of styrofoam waste threatens the public health, safety and welfare and negatively affects tourism and urban aesthetics. Styrofoam litter can be very difficult to control. Because it is so lightweight, it blows around in the wind and floats on water. Styrofoam litter causes urban blight and regulatory compliance difficulties. It is not biodegradable, so even if it is used once for only a few minutes, it can take hundreds of years to deteriorate. Styrofoam very gradually breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces littering our cities, streets, open spaces, beaches and waters. Styrofoam waste is a major component in the overall make up of beach and marine debris, potentially causing death or illness to marine life and possibly contributing to bacterial imbalances.
Regulations
In response to investigations of pollution causes and impact, landfill management concerns and pressure from voters, many US cities have banned styrofoam. Regulations tend to increase the number of vendors and variety of disposable food service packaging available locally.
