Los Angeles County has recently passed a bill that will ban all styrofoam and products made of styrofoam to be used, produced or sold in stores within county limits.

Whittier Daily News writes

he board unanimously approved a measure Tuesday, co-sponsored by supervisors Gloria Molina and Yvonne Braithwaite Burke, to study a ban on all Styrofoam containers in county-owned facilities and unincorporated areas, home to about 1 million residents.

A report on the ban’s feasibility is expected before the board in 90 days.

Polystyrene, most commonly known by the brand name Styrofoam, is a petroleum-based product that is difficult to recycle and non-biodegradable. Its low cost makes it popular for use as food containers at restaurants throughout the world.

In the Southland, polystyrene has become “pervasive,” said Molina.

“It is estimated that billions of containers are used throughout Los Angeles County each year,” said Molina, adding that the product remains in the environment for centuries after its useful life. Santa Monica, Malibu, Berkeley and Suffolk County in New York have banned use of the material.

I do think this is a great move, however, the county will need to push to make eco-friendly alternatives more accessible to its residents!

via whittier daily news
image via thomasnet