Styrofoam Containers to be Banned in Ulster County

How may styrofoam cups, plates, or containers have you used in your lifetime? Who hasn't used them, they're cheap and easy to use without the need to ever wash a dish again. But there's a dark side to all of this convenience, they don't break down, you can't recycle them, and, as it turns out, they're bad for your health, and Ulster County is doing something about it.

According to Safer Chemicals, Styrofoam contains the chemical styrene, which has been linked to cancer, vision and hearing loss, impaired memory and concentration, and nervous system effects…the list goes on. Plus, whenever you eat hot foods or drink liquids from styrofoam plates and cups, the styrene leaches out of the Styrofoam and into our bodies.

According to The Daily News, the Ulster County Legislature, in a 16-7 vote on Tuesday, adopted a local law that would ban the use of polystyrene containers by the county, all fast-food restaurants and other restaurants in Ulster County. Under the proposal, the county and chain restaurants would have to stop using polystyrene later this year. The ban would go into effect in 2016 for independent restaurants. The next step is Ulster County Executive Mike Hein's desk for his approval.