Getting coffee served up in a Styrofoam cup could become a rarity if a proposed ban targeting chain food businesses becomes effective in Albany County.
Several proponents of a ban on polystyrene foam, commonly known as Styrofoam, from chain establishments continued urging county legislators on Monday, Sept. 9, to approve the “Food Service Waste Reduction Act.” The proposed local law would ban businesses with at least 15 locations nationally from selling any prepared food or drink in a plastic foam container. The bill is still in committee, and a public hearing on the law was held last month.
Tim Burch, an Albany resident, said he moved from out-of-state to the city and has since started recycling more due to local recycling programs.
“We were shocked at how little we recycled,” Burch said.
Burch said while he “ordinarily would be watching the Yankees,” he thought it was important to voice his support for sustainable practices. He said it was important to “take small steps” to make improvements, such as the plastic foam ban.
Several other people spoke in favor of reducing the county’s environmental impact. The Environmental Protection Agency has determined the polystyrene manufacturing process is the fifth highest producer of hazardous waste nationally.
Paula Brewer, of Cohoes, said people generally haven’t been as focused on reducing consumption when compared to recycling and reusing.
“As I look around and see the growth in disposable items, I think we need to start embracing that first ‘R,’” Brewer said. “Not everything is recyclable, nor will it ever be, not everything is reusable, so I think we need to think about actually reducing our impact on the environment.”
Another contested issue is possible negative health effects of using plastic foam containers for food and beverages. Brewer, who identified herself as a nutritionist, said removing toxins from our environment could help improve people’s health and reduce the prevalence of obesity.
Daniel Morrissey, environmental chairperson for the Aurora Foundation, a nonprofit advocacy group, said the Environmental Protection Agency determined people have some styrene in their body. The EPA also determined the chemical may leach from polystyrene containers used for the food industry.
According to the EPA, people exposed to levels of styrene exceeding regulations for a short period of time may experience nervous system effects such as depression, loss of concentration, weakness, fatigue and nausea. Those exposed to it at high levels for a lifetime may develop liver and nerve tissue damage, along with cancer.
“That is from some type of exposure, whether it is from the water supply, through a heated Styrofoam container … or possibly an air contamination,” Morrissey said. “Fifteen percent of all urban litter is polystyrene.”
Sandy Steubing, of Albany, urged legislators to listen to county residents over any lobbyists fighting the ban.
“I would be very surprised if a resident from the county would come forward today and speak in favor of Styrofoam without being paid to do so,” Steubing said. “Please listen to us: the unpaid voters who live here in this county.”
Nobody spoke against the proposed ban at the meeting, but there also was no agenda items relating to the local law. Natalie Nussbaum, of Colonie, didn’t see any good reasons for businesses to continue using Styrofoam.
“There is really nothing good to using Styrofoam. It is all harmful and bad in many ways,” Nussbaum said. “Many (businesses) have switched over voluntarily … and are doing very well after making the switch.
“It is important for our environment. It is important for our health. It is important for our future,” she continued.