poly-what?

I recently was disgusted at myself when I realized I bought eggs in a poly-styrene carton a couple weeks ago. I couldn't believe I accidentally took a dozen of these fragile orbs home in, what is better known as, styrofoam. I am the shopper who will spend a few extra cents for the cardboard package. And, I'm the person who decided this summer that I should avoid smoothie stands that only have styrofoam cups for their beverages and pass on church coffee in styrofoam cups.

Polystyrene is one of the worst man made materials to dispose of. It is not recyclable (except in very specific places and under specific circumstances) and it does not biodegrade. It's a substance that is made for the sole purpose of being "disposable;" but the irony, is that is does not "dispose" of itself in a landfill.

Did you know that: "Polystyrene packing peanuts are banned [in Antarctica] under the Antarctic Conservation Act" (National Science Foundation). A number of cities and states are working on bans for polystyrene take-out packaging (see NY Times article on Portland below).

So, what can you do to help the situation?

one. Avoid purchasing polystyrene products. Also steer clear of items that are packaged with polystyrene.

two. Kindly suggest to your churches, businesses, and friends that they should look into alternatives to polystyrene products. Paper products are nearly as economical and much more biodegradable and there is nothing wrong with using the "real" plates and cups! It just means you might be the dishwasher!

three. Be an advocate and write companies who use polystyrene packing materials. Encourage them to use starch-based, cardboard, or paper products to cushion their merchandise for shipping.

I believe we have moved to the other side of the Information Technology Revolution and are heading towards a Sustainability Revolution on a global scale. I invite you to be trendy and do your part.

Here are a couple of links to pro-active earth-friendly companies and ideas:

Wikipedia's explanation of polystyrene.

Treehugger.com on the the best coffee cup.

The Fairmont Eco-Meet Program.

The Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978 (671.2, 671.3, 671.12).

Naturopack: Sustainable Packaging.

Portland, Oregon passes a Ban on Polystyrene Foam Items.