Styrofoam Cups - Environmental Impact
Styrofoam
cups are convenient because they are cheap and light weight, but Styrofoam cups
can have a negative impact on the environment.
When
most people refer to “Styrofoam” they mean the single use plastic that is white
and holds food and beverages. This is a mistake because "Styrofoam” refers
to a more durable, blue insulation material trademarked by Dow Chemical.
However, in order to make the article easy to understand, we will use the word
“Styrofoam” throughout.
Styrofoam Cups - Environmental Impact
Styrofoam
is a major environmental problem. Used in product packages and the shipping
industry, the world produces tons of it each year. The fact that Styrofoam is
non-biodegradable adds to the ecological impact. Landfills are filling up at a
record rate and Styrofoam is one reason. Styrofoam has the potential to affect
the entire ecological system of this planet.
Statistics
The
Earth Resource Foundation reports that Styrofoam manufacturers were the fifth
largest producer of toxic waste in 1986. Over 90,000 workers face exposure to
the effects of styrene, the material in Styrofoam, each year in industries such
as rubber and fiberglass manufacturing companies. Health effects from exposure
to styrene are irritation of the skin, eyes and respiratory tract and
gastrointestinal problems. Chronic exposure affects the nervous system, causing
symptoms like depression, headache, fatigue and weakness, and minor effects on
kidney function and blood.
Non-Biodegradable
Styrofoam
is non-biodegradable and non-recyclable. According to Washington University,
Styrofoam takes 500 years to decompose; it cannot be recycled, so the Styrofoam
cups dumped in landfills are there to stay. With enough Styrofoam cups produced
each day to circle the earth if lined up end to end, the potential for major
ecological impact is great.
Pollutants
Styrene
leaches into foods and drinks served in Styrofoam containers, and according to
the Earth Resource Foundation, the manufacture of Styrofoam releases large
amounts of ozone into the atmosphere, causing respiratory and environmental
issues. In addition, with billions of Styrofoam cups used yearly in convenience
stores, restaurants and lunchrooms ending up in landfills, some cities have
banned the use of Styrofoam.
Landfills
Styrofoam
and Styrofoam products fill up 30 percent of our landfill space, and landfills
are fast becoming full. A Recycling Revolution reports that packaging material
makes up one-third of an average dump. The U.S. is the biggest trash producer
in the world, filling America’s landfills at an alarming rate. Five percent of
the world’s population generate 40 percent of the world’s trash. On average,
each one of us puts out about 5 pounds of trash a day. This adds up to about a
ton of trash per person every year that eventually ends up in a landfill.
Land and Water Pollution
Americans
reportedly throw away 25 billion Styrofoam cups every year. Styrofoam cups are
non-biodegradable. Instead of breaking down completely overtime, Styrofoam cups
break into tiny pieces and stay in the environment for hundreds of years. This
harmful substance is difficult to clean up. Styrofoam escapes waste collection
systems and accumulates on land and in water because it is easily windblown.
Pieces of Styrofoam show up in our parks, forests, beaches, oceans and rivers.
The San Diego Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation claims that its volunteers
collected 12,575 pieces of Styrofoam from their beaches in 2017. The amount of
single use plastic littered on our planet’s land and water is staggering.
Harm to Animal Life
Pollution
caused by Styrofoam is not only unpleasant to look at but it is also harmful to
our planet’s animal life. Animals often mistake Styrofoam as food and ingest
it. This causes harm or death due to starvation, choking or chemical buildup in
the digestive system.
Solutions
The solution to the Styrofoam problem is finding and using alternative materials. If reusable dishes are not an option in your office, recycled paper products are the next best alternative, according to Earth Resource Foundation. Paper recycling also saves trees and contributes to an overall savings when compared to Styrofoam. Paper products are biodegradable and non-toxic to the environment. Easily recycled, paper is good for shipping and product packaging.
Recommended: New Generation Recyclable Paper Cup |
Water-Based Coating Paper Cups
Our
water-based coating paper cups are made from sustainable, recyclable, and
biodegradable materials. Lined with plant-based resin (NOT petroleum or plastic
based). Recyclable paper cups are the eco-friendly solution to supplying your
customers with your most popular coffee drinks or juice.
Most disposable paper cups are not biodegradable. The paper cups are lined with polyethylene (a type of plastic). Recyclable packaging helps to reduce landfill, save trees and create a healthier world for future generations.
Recyclable | Re-pulpable | Compostable | Biodegradable
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