People who say that nothing lasts forever are dead wrong when it comes to Styrofoam.
Styrofoam (or polystyrene, as the men in white coats call it) is a petroleum based product that will likely outlast us all — and that’s not a good thing. Environmentally it's non-recyclable, and refuses to break down, even when exposed to light. Combine that with the fact that Styrofoam is lightweight and floats, and you’ve got massive quantities accumulating along coasts and waterways around the world, which makes it a health hazard for marine life.
And when it comes to our own health issues, the EPA lists styrene as a known carcinogen and states that chronic exposure may lead to damaging affects on the nervous system, which includes headaches, depression, fatigue, weakness, kidney dysfunction and cancer.
So, the next time you're picking up your to-go order, bring your own box and just say no… to Styrofoam. It’s a small change that just may make a lasting effect on your health and the planet.
