NYS Mulls Banning Styrofoam Containers, Packing Peanuts [POLL]

Coming on the heels of signing legislation that would ban the sale of single-use plastic bags in New York beginning in March 2020, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has now proposed, as part of his 2020 agenda, to ban another seemingly ubiquitous packaging material. The governor wants to give the heave-ho to expanded polystyrene foam, otherwise known as Styrofoam.

The ban, if it comes to fruition, will get rid of all single-use food containers, as well as "packing peanuts" made of the same material.

Cuomo said it would be the strongest statewide ban in the country and would go into effect by Jan. 1, 2022.

He called Styrofoam one of the most common pollutants and a public health hazard that impacts mankind and the environment.

"From take-out containers to packing peanuts, this material is everywhere and it will continue to pollute our waters and harm our wildlife for generations to come if we do not act," Cuomo said in a press release.

"With this proposal, we can build on our nation-leading initiatives to protect the environment and move New York another step closer to a greener, more sustainable future," he said.

The United States produces more than 3 million tons of polystyrene. While it is not biodegradable, the material breaks down over time and enters waterways and wildlife areas as microplastics, according to the EPA.

This reporter noticed that his favorite diner for post-farmer's market brunch on Sunday has switched their Styrofoam takeout containers to compostable containers.

Also, Dunkin', along with ditching "Donuts" from its name, is starting to eliminate polystyrene foam cups and hopes to completely get rid of them by 2020, CNN reported.

The company is transitioning to plastic-lined, double-walled paper cups, solving a problem the company had with customers grabbing a second foam cup as an insulator.

While environmental groups are certainly in favor of the ban, restaurant industry officials are wondering how it will affect them.

Melissa Fleischut, president and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, said restaurants are already struggling with government regulations, she told Spectrum News.

"As we await the details, we'll advocate for a hardship provision that protects restaurants from dramatic price increases that would negatively affect the feasibility of their operations," Fleischut said.