Eliminate styrofoam, especially from food and drink purchases
Why This is Green
Polystyrene is a possible carcinogen and has been linked to endocrine disruption. It can leach from foam containers into the food or liquid it is holding, especially when heated (never put polystyrene in the microwave!). It’s often referred to as Styrofoam®, which is made by DOW Chemical Company, and the stuff is everywhere. So much so it’s detectable in the tissue of every person in the United States. According to the EPA, it can have serious impacts on human health, wildlife, the environment, and the economy. In 1986, the EPA identified 57 chemical byproducts that were released into the air through its production. Many of the pollutants are known to cause serious health effects.
In addition, polystyrene does not biodegrade and while it is technically recyclable, it can be difficult because of its light weight and low scrap value.
The EPA says that every year Americans waste enough polystyrene to circle the Earth 426 times. The two most common polystyrene containers are coffee cups and takeout food containers.
Learn More
- PracticallyGreen.com: It’s On The Plan! Get Rid Of Styrofoam, Especially From Food & Drink Purchases (And Take-Home Doggy Bags!)
- The New York Times: U.S. Weighs Cancer Risk Of Styrene And Formaldehyde
- ABCNews.com: Styrofoam Chemical Styrene Added To Possible Carcinogens List
- EPA.gov: Choosing An Alternative To Styrofoam
- RiseAbovePlastics.com: Current Polystyrene Ban List
- Healthy Child Healthy World: Shopper’s Guide To Plastics & Food--Alternatives To The Problem Plastics
- E Magazine: The Throwaway Generation--25 Billion Styrofoam Cups A Year
How To
Avoiding Styrofoam is fairly simple: just don’t use it, especially when it comes to food. Some cities have even banned it.
Be prepared by carrying a reusable coffee mug and takeout container with you; they’re much better alternatives.
If your favorite coffee shop stocks polystyrene foam cups, ask them to consider using something eco- and people-friendlier. Demand very often equals supply.
Be on the look out for polystyrene. It’s often used for meat trays. Choose other, safer materials.
