No more styrofoam?

[dougo.livejournal.com]

Sometime in the past few months, at least three restaurants stopped using styrofoam containers for packaging takeout meals: Deli-icious, Golden Light, and Teriyaki House (in Powderhouse Square). I think this is a good thing; besides the non-recyclability, I've always had an aesthetic dislike of styrofoam. But it made me curious: is this just a coincidence, or is there some particular reason that three local places switched around the same time? Did an anti-styrofoam ordinance go into effect? Did some supplier stop carrying styrofoam containers? Did non-styrofoam containers get cheaper? Does anyone happen to know?

Comments

[kelkyag]

A styrofoam ban went into effect.

[prunesnprisms.livejournal.com]

Yes, this.

[paradoox.livejournal.com]

Went into effect in Somerville. I believe Brookline also has one. Another consequence of this is that DD (Dunkin Donuts) is now using paper cups.

[ron_newman]

And the paper cups work just fine, which makes me wonder why Styrofoam was ever needed.

[irilyth]

I imagine they were cheaper, but don't really know.

[keithn.livejournal.com]

Aside from keeping drinks warmer for longer and keeping your hand from being burned, foam cups are better for the environment.

Search for yourself.

http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2013/02/your-paper-cup-is-destroying-the-world.html
http://www.bostonglobe.com/magazine/2014/04/02/why-paper-cups-just-aren-greener/W3TIBJ9dff8INlumPQvHSI/story.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/paul-alexander/paper-or-foam-for-your-ta_b_5169335.html
http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702304732804579425493477617388
http://1800recycling.com/2010/03/styrofoam-paper-cups
http://www.ecojoes.com/styrofoam-cups-vs-paper-cups/

It's pretty sad when well intended people cause stupid changes.

[dougo.livejournal.com]

Dunkin Donuts's own FAQ (http://www.dunkindonuts.com/content/dunkindonuts/en/help/faqs.html) says this:

Why doesn't Dunkin' Donuts use recycled paper coffee cups?
Dunkin' Donuts is committed to selling fresh brewed coffee in containers that are safe for the consumer. Our foam cup is one of the strongest in the industry and it insulates better than paper cups we have tested. By using foam, we are reducing the added waste that occurs with double cupping, cup sleeves and/or extra napkins. In addition, foam cups are recyclable, paper cups are not, and we encourage you to check with your local/municipal-recycling program as to whether or not they will accept #6 plastic.

[ron_newman]

I put paper coffee cups in my Somerville recycling bin. Maybe I shouldn't?

[dougo.livejournal.com]

I think they may not have updated their FAQ to account for their new polypropylene cups, which are recyclable (see the link in my next comment, below). But I'm not actually sure if they are using these cups in Somerville or not.

[dougo.livejournal.com]

But apparently polypropylene cups are recyclable?

http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/money/2014/10/02/dunkin-donuts-debuts-recyclable-coffee-cups/16586167/

[teko.livejournal.com]

Leading up to the ban, DD's put up signs explaining when and why they were phasing out styrofoam in all Somerville locations, but they took the signs down after the ban took effect.

[dougo.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the link!

[dfan.livejournal.com]

Anyone know what Redbones is doing? Every time I've ordered takeout from them I feel like I've raised the sea level by a millimeter.

[paradoox.livejournal.com]

I don't know what Redbones is doing, but, most of the places around Brookline / Newton are using plastic containers for takeout.

Note there are exemptions up the wazoo to the new rules. For example, although Brookline has a ban on plastic bags (yay!), and even CVS is using paper bags in Brookline, take-out food is exempt from the Brookline ban on plastic bags.

[ron_newman]

In Brookline, what are people using to hold fruits and vegetables at supermarkets (either in preparation for weighing, or to take home)?

[paradoox.livejournal.com]

I think they are exempt. I thought I had seen a more detailed explanation a while ago, but the best explanation I kind find now says: "The ban centers on check-out bags at retail establishments over 2,500 square feet, retail pharmacies and supermarkets with annual sales in excess of $1 million."