ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Maryland is one step closer to becoming the first state to ban the use of foam food containers and cups.
Half of Maryland residents already live in areas where polystyrene foam is banned. This bill makes it statewide.
A bill receiving bipartisan support in the state Senate passed Tuesday after days of debate. The bill bans expanded polystyrene, or EPS, foam food containers, often confused with Styrofoam, from being used by restaurants, grocery stores and other food providers. The bill also bans the retail sale of these products. The bill passed 34-13, with bipartisan support.
Many Republicans expressed concern that banning polystyrene foam food containers and cups would hurt farmers and small businesses.
"It's an unnecessary burden that isn't going to do anything for the environment," said Sen. Justin Ready, R-Carroll County.
Senate Minority Leader J.B. Jennings said, based on his research, polystyrene can be recycled. He cited news articles saying the material is not necessarily bad for the environment. He fed mealworms polystyrene foam and water to prove his point.
"All these mealworms turned into this, the beetles. It's true, they eat Styrofoam. They do survive," Jennings said.
Sen. Cheryl Kagan, D-Montgomery County, the bill's sponsor, set the record straight.
"The Styrofoam retains toxic chemicals. It cannot be recycled. It does not break down. It does not biodegrade," Kagan said.
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14 comments:
Thank GOD for this. Every time I eat or drink something from a styrofoam box or cup, I get a funny feeling ;)
1980s and 90s all over again. Let me guess? Hair spray killing the ozone?
Yea that's what we should be prioritizing
Hogan needs to use his veto pen. Facts allow Styrofoam to recycle. It is a form of plastic. Idiots need to research the facts.
Actually this isn't such a bad thing. You see the polystyrene stuff EVERYWHERE, especially along the roads because so many lazy jerks just throw them out the window or they blow out of their vehicle or boat.
Then the wind carries them for miles. I'd rather not see it used anymore.
Larry shove one up ur A..
No more laws! We have enough,
Polystyrene is used in window airconditioners and as insulation in some doors. What about the cheap drink coolers and Chic-Fil-A cups?
Then just don't eat or drink anything from styrofoam 5:02
Let's do away with the damn plastic grocery & shopping bags too
So now businesses will use plastics which clearly end up in the oceans. Government is idiots
Which one of the lawmakers have a relative who sells a substitute for these containers
5:54 yes hairspray was destroying the Ozone , among other things.
Thankfully we have come a long way in restoring the ozone.
This product goes into our lakes rives bays and Oceans. It just site there and IS harmful to the food we eat . Look at real science
I NEVER see styrofoam trash on the sides of the roads on the Eastern Shore. Much ado about nothing. I'm surprised our tax and spend state house doesn't just tax the products, regardless of the impact, or lack of impact, on the environment.
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