Switch to Biodegradable Cups
EPS Foam from cups and to go containers is one of the biggest sources of litter pollution in our streams and rivers, switching to biodegradable productsProblems
More than 50,000 Foam Cups and Plates Recovered in 2015
In 2015 as part of the International Coastal Cleanup, volunteers recovered over 57,193 plastic cups and plates the majority of which were made from EPS foam (Ocean Conservancy, 2016).
Plastic Foam Does Not Biodegrade
When pieces of plastic foam (such as polystyrene) enter our waterways, wind and waves break them into smaller and smaller pieces until they are almost invisible to the naked eye. These microplastics (any plastic piece less than 5mm in size) can be ingested by a variety of marine life including invertebrates (e.g., oysters, mussels) and fish that feed on plankton and other microparticulates. The plastic can cause direct and indirect damage to these organisms leading to losses in important species in the ecosystem. Also the chemicals from which the plastics are derived can have negative impacts on marine organisms, causing toxicity and disruption to reproduction, which has significant implications for the entire food web (Algalita, 2015).
Photo by Phyrexian - CC BY-SA 3.0
Polystyrene Found in Marine Animal Intestines
Polystyrene foam is often found lodged in the intestines of marine animals causing blockages from eating the wrong thing. This often leads to death. (BBC, 2015)
EPS foam fragments recovered from Dauphin Island. Picture by Caitlin WesselThings You Can Do
Switch to Biodegradable Cups
Compostable and biodegradable cups for hot and cold drinks are very durable and don’t pose the risk of polluting our waters for centuries to come like foam or plastic comes.
Compostable Cup 16 oz. from Green Paper ProductsUse Biodegradable Clamshell Containers
Biodegradable clamshell containers made from natural plant fiber are 100% compostable and are very durable. They don’t cause the long term harm to our waters like plastic and foam containers.
8in Biodegradable Clamshell from Green Paper ProductsUse Biodegradable Straws
Plastic Straws are the 5th most common item to be picked up in litter cleanups throughout the country. Using biodegradable straws ensures the straws from your restaurant aren’t long term pollutants to our waters.
7.75" Clear Unwrapped Compostable Straw from ECO ProductsSwitch to Reusable Dishware
Using reusable dishware saves businesses money overtime, they use far less energy, and the chances of them polluting our waters is much lower than disposable counterparts.
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It can be good business to go green and there are models and good ideas already in place
Green Paper Products
Sells
100% Biodegradable & Compostable
ECO Products
Cups, Containers, Straws, Utensils
Disposable Cups, Cutlery and Dishware from Sustainability at Work section of City of Portland, Oregon website has a great guide for restaurants thinking about making the switch
