Massachusetts' Push to Ban Styrofoam Gaining Momentum
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According to a report earlier this week by New England Public Radio, Springfield, Mass., USA, Pittsfield has become the latest western Massachusetts community to ban the use of Styrofoam take-out food containers and coffee cups.
Starting next July, Pittsfield will join Great Barrington, Williamstown, Amherst, and South Hadley in outlawing containers made of polystyrene, commonly known as Styrofoam. There’s also pending legislation on Beacon Hill which, if passed, would created a statewide ban. Clint Richmond of the Sierra Club of Massachusetts says some consumers are leading the push.
"It’s certainly something they consider and are asking for," Richmond said. "Restaurants would be advised to try and satisfy these customer demands for sustainable packaging and non-toxic packaging."
Ban supporters say foam contains dangerous chemicals and is unfriendly to the environment. Opponents contend the product is perfectly safe and works better than paperboard. While paper based products are more sustainable, most alternative products currently available in the U.S. market lack the superior insulation properties of foam.
