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

[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/