Styrofoam (polystyrene) food packaging such as single-use cups is a wasteful, unhealthy source of non-biodegradable trash. It is a major source of plastic marine pollution, urban blight, and landfill waste. When reheated, styrofoam takeout food containers (e.g., bowls, cups, plates) also release known cancer causing chemicals into food (the reason why it is NOT microwave safe!). Fortunately recycleable and/or compostable alternatives exist, and at little to no additional cost to the consumer.
Recognizing the many negative impacts of these products, over 70 cities across the state of California and United States have adopted local policies to limit their use, including the Cities of Seattle, San New York, Washington D.C., San Francisco, Oakland, Santa Monica, Calabasas, and Newport Beach.
Such policies are not new, either. The City of West Hollywood adopted its policy for restaurants and food vendors over two decades ago in 1990!
Support a local policy in Pasadena by signing our petition.
KEY FACTS
There's no time like the present for Pasadena to take another step towards fulfilling its commitment sustainability.
Support this effort by signing onto our online petition today!
And once you've done so, please support a similar effort for Los Angeles County's unincorporated communities by signing here!
Recognizing the many negative impacts of these products, over 70 cities across the state of California and United States have adopted local policies to limit their use, including the Cities of Seattle, San New York, Washington D.C., San Francisco, Oakland, Santa Monica, Calabasas, and Newport Beach.
Such policies are not new, either. The City of West Hollywood adopted its policy for restaurants and food vendors over two decades ago in 1990!
Support a local policy in Pasadena by signing our petition.
KEY FACTS
- Polystyrene kills wildlife and is a major source of plastic marine pollution.
- One of Styrofoam’s components, styrene, is a known hazardous substance that releases toxins into food when Styrofoam products are used in reheating (e.g., microwave).
- Polystyrene food packaging is lightweight, easily blown into public spaces, and very difficult to recycle. The City of Pasadena does NOT recycle any styrofoam that has been contaminated with food (i.e., carry-out food containers).
- The US EPA states that styrene can have serious impacts on human health, wildlife and the aquatic environment because the product breaks down and can clog waterways.
- Over 70 California cities and counties have already adopted local policies banning styrofoam and requiring the use of recyclable or compostable takeout containers. A partial list of these Cities can be viewed here.
There's no time like the present for Pasadena to take another step towards fulfilling its commitment sustainability.
Support this effort by signing onto our online petition today!
And once you've done so, please support a similar effort for Los Angeles County's unincorporated communities by signing here!