HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0664.038 2014-2016 Plait
Murashige, Laura
From: John Winter <winterj@whitman.edu>
Sent: Friday, February 12, 2016 6:39 AM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Bill 140. Banning styrofoam food containers on the Big Island
Testimony supporting Bill 140. REDUCTION OF POLYSTYRENE FOAM" STYROFOAM" FOOD CONTAINERS AND FOOD
SERVICE WARE
I would very much like to add my voice to those supporting this important bill. Styrofoam in not recyclable and almost all of it
ever produced is still in existence today as it does not decompose readily or compost. Styrofoam food containers are thin and
brittle and easily break apart if not disposed of properly. Small pieces are scattered by the wind and make it into the ocean
where particles remain almost indefinitely. There are places in the Pacific where tiny plastic particles far outnumber plankton.
Even when disposed of,styrofoam bloats our landfills in perpetuity. Amazingly,the State of Hawaii is the largest per capita
consumer(and waster)of polystyrene in the USA. We live on a beautiful island and our abuse of this insidious substance is of
particular concern for the future.
There are many alternatives to styrofoam. Burgers are typically wrapped in paper now rather than the old styrofoam boxes.
Supplying a compostable hard container is presently the most expensive option,adding about 30 cents to a take-home container.
This cost would be reduced if this bill passes and such containers became available in quantity.People wishing to save further
may consider bringing their own reusable containers,much like many of us presently do with shopping bags.PLEASE vote in
favor of this important Bill. Thank you.
John D Winter
PO Box 849
Kapdau HI 96755
(808)889-6901
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Comm. No. W ` l
Ref. To: fl&VAG
Ref. Date FEB 1 .A :71116
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