Unlike other forms of trash, Expanded Polystyrene (EPS, commonly known as Styrofoam) is impossible to fully clean up once it is thrown away.  It is a petroleum-based product that does not biodegrade. Instead, it crumbles and breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces each time it is touched or disturbed. Whether blown out of trash cans or intentionally littered, foam to-go food packaging makes its way into our storm drains and ultimately our waterways. Once in the water it will absorb 10 times more pesticides, fertilizers and chemicals than other kinds of plastic, increasing toxin exposure to fish and other aquatic animals, and potentially making its way into the food chain. Further, workers exposed to styrene monomers during the manufacturing process have increased risk of lymphoma, leukemia, and other forms of cancer.

Safer and more environmentally sustainable alternatives are available. It’s time to get foam out of Maryland once and for all. Write to your elected representatives today to ask them to protect us from expanded polystyrene throughout by Maryland by supporting HB 538 and SB 651.