Hawaii May Become First State To Ban Styrofoam Food Containers - National Humane Education Society

Paws Up!

To Hawaii Senators for promoting SB 2498 which would institute a statewide ban on the sale of styrofoam food containers.

Styrofoam cups and takeout boxes may be convenient for tourists, but are disastrous to Hawaii’s natural beauty and the health of ocean wildlife. Discarded styrofoam breaks into small bits and does not biodegrade. It diminishes the beauty of parks, beaches, and water. When swallowed by wildlife, causes digestive blockages that can cause the animals to slowly starve. Polystyrene foam makes up a large percentage of litter in Hawaii, and will only continue to accumulate unless action is taken.

According to a  news article, SB 2498 would ban restaurants in Hawaii from using styrofoam containers. After a recent hearing, the Senate’s Commerce, Consumer Protection and Health committee unanimously voted to keep the bill moving. The bill would go into effect January 1, 2019, but first needs to be passed by the full Senate, the House, and signed into law by the governor.

Take action. Hawaii residents, contact your legislators, and urge them to support SB 2498 to ban the distribution of styrofoam containers by restaurants in your state. Feel free to use NHES’ sample action letter below.

Re: Statewide styrofoam food container ban

Dear Sen. or Rep. {Last Name}

I am a Hawaii resident urging you to support SB 2498, a bill to ban the distribution of styrofoam containers by Hawaii restaurants. Styrofoam does not biodegrade. It creates an eyesore when littered on beaches and in ocean waters, and is harmful to birds and marine life who swallow it. Many suitable replacements exist. Without instituting a ban, styrofoam will only continue to clog our once-pristine environment. Please, support SB 2498 and other legislation to protect the beauty and wildlife of Hawaii.

Sincerely,

{Your Name}
{Your Address}