HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0107.209 2016-2018 ARs
From: Mary Marvin Porter . { O
FCLHE
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Support for Bill 13 that would reduce the use of polystyrene fo f ervi a' o°rw products on
Hawaii Island 6
Date: Tuesday,September 05,2017 1:57:50 PM
Hawaii County Council Members
Aloha,
I support Councilwoman Eileen O'hara's proposed Bill 13 that would reduce the use of polystyrene foam
in food service and food ware products on Hawaii Island. Polystyrene foam may take decades or even
centuries to degrade and they break down into smaller and smaller pieces which marine animals mistake
for food and bioaccumulate up the food chain affecting the fish and humans that may consume them.
Also polystyrene foam contains likely cancer-causing chemicals that can leach into the food and drinks
they hold, making them unhealthy to consumers. And the styrofoam is a litter problem on our streets and
add to our overflow landfill problems.
On the island there are already polystyrene foam-free food establishments so it is not unknown as to how
to do it or that much more expensive.
Already Washington D.C., and many other cities have banned polystyrene foam use in food containment
and packaging materials. Polystyrene foam food and beverage containers can be replaced with
environmentally-friendly, cost-comparable, compostable alternatives. Please vote for the bill.
Mahalo,
Mary Marvin Porter
Island Eyes Video
Kea'au Hawaii
ear: Noo 1011,01
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