If you fall in that bracket, then here is what you need to know. Banning Styrofoam is easy as replacing canvas bags with plastic ones. “It is in the interest of the health, safety, and welfare of all who live, work, and do business in the City that the amount of litter on the public streets, parks, public places, and open spaces be reduced.” 2. forms: { It gained popularity because it is lightweight, offers good insulation properties that keep products cold or hot, and keeps things safe during the shipping process without adding weight. Especially when paired with liquid Everyone knows that Styrofoam is bad for the planet, but do you know exactly why? Additionally, petroleum production creates heavy pollution. Along with polluting the air styrofoam pollutes the rest of the environment since, being plastic, it isn't biodegradable. Styrene, for example, is the foundational ingredient used to make polystyrene. HFCs are less detrimental to the ozone than chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which were used in the manufacturing of Styrofoam in the past, but it is thought that the impact of HFCs on climate change is much more serious. Put Down that Styrofoam Cup! However, its harmful effects outweigh its World Centric has an excellent sample template letter you can use. Global One-Stop Solution for Excess Lab and IT Asset Decommissioning, Data Destruction and Asset Remarketing. } But the styrene monomer from which it is made is suspected of causing cancer and other health problems, and miniscule amounts of styrene could leach into your hot coffee. But the environmental effects of plastics can't be left out of the conversation. Additionally, petroleum production creates heavy pollution. 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This is accentuated if people reheat the food while still in the container. Another reason that Styrofoam is harmful for the environment is that it is made with petroleum, which is a non-sustainable resource. Styrofoam also adds the bromine retardants which have been found harmful for health and environment. Here’s a hint: it’s not just about biodegradability. Environmental health concerns start with the elements used to make Styrofoam. Styrofoam is not recyclable, it's harmful to humans, and it's harmful to the environment. Environmental Effects. Harmful effects of styrofoam cups. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency tabbed polystyrene manufacturing as the nation’s number five creator of hazardous waste. Although it is recyclable, most polystyrene foam ends up in landfills because it is expensive to transport a product that is virtually air to recycling plants. Unfortunately, for all of Styrofoam’s good points, data has shown that Styrofoam also has harmful effects. 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