Resident Kicks Off Petition to Ban Plastic Utensils, Styrofoam Containers

EAST HAMPTON, NY — An East Hampton man is going a step further to try and protect the environment.

Scott Bluedorm has launched a petition, "Ban Styrofoam Containers and Plastic Cutlery in East Hampton," on change.org.

So far, 892 supporters have signed the petition, with a goal of 1,000 before it's delivered to the East Hampton town board.

"East Hampton Town and Village have banned single-use plastic bags as of 2016; the logical next step is banning single-use plastic plates/cups/cutlery and styrofoam containers. France has become the first country in the world to do this, the law will go into effect in 2020. As a forward thinking and ecologically conscious community, East Hampton could follow this example," the petition reads.

"Single-use plastic cups, plates, and cutlery and styrofoam containers do not biodegrade, make up a huge amount of waste that the town has to process, and can often end up in our ocean and bays, killing wildlife and leaching harmful chemicals. These items are not easily recyclable, and contribute to climate change through their production and use of fossil fuel based resins," the petition continues.

"Plastic and styrofoam can be replaced with biodegradable, compostable and reusable alternatives, such as cornstarch-based products, bamboo, paper, or traditional metal cutlery and glass. These alternatives are only slightly more expensive but make a huge difference in disrupting the waste stream. Local businesses can also choose to offer reusable cutlery and containers, or encourage customers to bring their own for a discount."

The petition concludes, "Let's take the lead in the U.S. and demonstrate that single-use waste and disposable culture stops here!"

Patch file photo.