The amounts of Styrofoam waste that accumulates is colossal, as only 1% of Styrofoam is recycled in California according to a 2016 Los Angeles Times news report. Problems created due to large amounts of waste include the following:

• Styrofoam easily breaks into small bits. Small land and aquatic animals eating these pieces die due to toxins and blockage of their stomachs leading to starvation, according to Los Angeles Times.
• This, combined with the fact that Styrofoam is lightweight and therefore floats, means that over time a great deal of polystyrene has accumulated along coasts and waterways around the world. It is one of the main components of marine debris.
• Given its porous nature it absorbs many other carcinogenic pollutants in the sea water like DDT produced in other countries, according to Los Angeles Times.
• Much of it sinks to the bottom of the sea where it pollutes the seabed. When the fish eat toxic materials in Styrofoam and the additional pollutants it absorbs, the chemicals bioaccumulate and can harm people who consume this seafood according to the Los Angeles Times.

Non-Sustainable

Another reason that Styrofoam is harmful for the environment is that it is made with petroleum, which is a non-sustainable resource. A 2016 Worldwatch Report notes that “About 4 percent of the petroleum consumed worldwide each year is used to make plastic, and another 4 percent is used to power plastic manufacturing processes.” In addition, petroleum production creates heavy pollution.

Solution

Reduce Styrofoam usage by foregoing single-use items. Use or ask for paper cups or compostable cups instead of Styrofoam. We do manufacture and import many Earth Friendly products that would completely eliminate date to day pollution.