|  | Public Health Safety | Food Safety

What to Use In Place of Styrofoam

Using Styrofoam is an extremely controversial topic. Styrofoam is nonbiodegradable and while not completely harmful to the planet, the product can take up to 500 years to break down in landfills, making them a big part of the overfill problem. As a result, people have developed alternatives to Styrofoam that helps to reduce waste and reduce toxins caused by Styrofoam's main component, styrene.

  1. Paper Cups

    • While using paper cups still creates excess waste, they are an ideal alternative to Styrofoam as they can be recycled after use and are biodegradable. The paper product will not be a danger to animals like Styrofoam, which animals mistake for food. Styrofoam releases toxins when heated (example: melting the product when heating it in a microwave, releasing toxins into food), making paper cups a sensible alternative.

    Biodegradable Packaging

    • Thanks to companies like Styrophobia, a manufacturer of plant-based biodegradable containers, cups and bags, America's obsession with take-out can remain planet friendly. Styrophobia's products are made from sugar cane, reed grass, corn and potato, making the products safely disposable and safe to use.

    Reusable Product

    • Reusable products are the the most environmentally efficient and safest alternatives Styrofoam. Bringing your own shopping bag to the grocery store or a coffee mug to Starbucks works to reduce the use of Styrofoam. While these products initially might be more expensive, overall you will save money as many retailers give discounts for those who bring in their own carry-out.

Food Safety - Related Articles