On November 3, 2020, Los Angeles, California made a monumental decision to phase out the use of single-use polystyrene foam products – more commonly known as Styrofoam – from the city. The Los Angeles City Council has unanimously voted in favor of a city wide-ban on the use of these products, making it the most populous city in the United States to implement a ban of this type.
The decision is a major step forward in the city’s sustainability plan, and comes after the city first proposed a ban on polystyrene products back in 2016. Since then, the City Council of Los Angeles has been debating the implementation of the proposed ban, arguing that Styrofoam is harmful to our environment and human health.
Proponents of the ban have long argued that polystyrene is non-biodegradable and can release toxic substances into our environment when ingested. In addition, Styrofoam is not recyclable, meaning that it has to be disposed of as waste, which then leads to further pollution when it’s burned or sent to a landfill.
With the City Council’s decision, Los Angeles joins the ranks of over 140 other cities in California and more than 125 countries around the world that have already implemented similar bans. The proposed ban is set to come into effect on July 1, 2021, giving restuarants and other food-service establishments time to transition to more sustainable alternatives prior to effectuation.
As a result of the ban, Los Angeles is expecting to use up to 80% fewer single-use Styrofoam products within its city limits. Despite the city’s enthusiasm for the ban, some stakeholders have expressed their concerns, such as the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, who argue that the costs to comply with the ban are too large for small businesses to accommodate.
Regardless of these concerns, Los Angeles is making its commitment to sustainability clear by pursuing the ban on polystyrene products. The city is leading the charge for more sustainable living, paving the way for more cities and countries to follow suit and make a pledge to protect our planet.