In an effort to reduce single-use plastics that continue to pollute our streams, beaches and ocean, California cities and counties are taking action by enacting Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Foam reduction ordinances. To date, more than 120 local governments across the state have adopted foam bans. On the South Coast, the City of Carpinteria has had a ban on foam take-out food containers in place since 2008 and updated it to include more single use plastic items in 2019 and the city of Santa Barbara also adopted foam regulations in 2018. Now we are working with other South Coast municipalities to encourage them to follow suit and address this pervasive pollution problem.
Foam is one of the most common forms of plastic pollution found on beaches in the US. It is harmful to wildlife that can accidentally ingest it and to the manufacturing workers that produce it, and currently is not viably recyclable. Polystyrene and expanded polystyrene, commonly known as Styrofoam, can be identified by the number “6” on cups, lids, cutlery, take-out containers and more. Styrene is a known animal and probable human carcinogen and is ranked the 5th worst global industry for toxic waste production by the EPA. See below for opportunities to get involved locally.
Ways to Take Action!
Support Local Foam BansWe can take definitive action to address plastic pollution by adopting local foam ban ordinances – but we need your support! Channelkeeper is collecting letters in support of local foam bans to send to our elected officials.