Laserfiche WebLink
There are ever-increasing alternatives to these products that offer the same shapes, sizes, function & quality <br /> that foam does without any of the consequences. All major distributors of EPS foam also distribute eco- <br /> friendly alternatives, so distributors would not lose any business. <br /> Jobs & Employee Health <br /> And though we should be aware of a loss of a small number of jobs at KYD (local foam producer), we should <br /> be equally aware that these are hazardous jobs. In producing polystyrene foam products, KYD exposes their <br /> employees to harmful chemicals like styrene, which is categorized as an animal carcinogen and a suspected <br /> human carcinogen (National Institute of Health's 2011 Report on Carcinogens). Another National Institute of <br /> Health study found "An excess of spontaneous abortions ... in women whose work included the processing of <br /> polystyrene."These are just some of the warnings heeded by scientists that have studied these and many <br /> more health effects from exposure to styrene. <br /> So any jobs lost from slowing down foam production will in fact be a blessing to the health and safety of those <br /> employees, and with an economic shift towards eco-friendly products, we can easily replace those jobs with <br /> ones of a non-toxic nature, perhaps by instead producing disposable foodservice ware made from plant <br /> materials, which supports local farmers on top of creating a healthier workplace for local employees. <br /> Mahalo <br /> With the reality that the use of EPS foam in restaurants is unnecessary and that alternatives are abundant, I <br /> hope you support <br /> Bill #13 <br /> so our local restaurants can use products that do not pose a threat to our environment, to wildlife, to. <br /> our food chain, or to the health of our local workers and consumers. The convenience of EPS foam <br /> does not outweigh the consequence, and we can now find the same conveniences in more <br /> sustainable alternatives. Mahalo nui loa for your time & consideration. <br /> Doorae Shin <br /> Plastic Free Hawaii Program Manager <br /> Kokua Hawaii Foundation <br /> PO Box 866, Hale`iwa, HI 96712 <br /> (808) 492-3954 (mobile) <br /> doorae@kokuahawaiifoundation.org <br /> www.kokuahawaiifoundation.org <br /> Are you a member?www.kokuahawaiifoundation.org/membership <br /> Become a volunteer: volunteer@kokuahawaiifoundation.org <br /> "The secret to change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new."- Socrates <br /> 3 <br />