Lobby Day in Springfield
LWV Chicago Environmental Action Committee members traveled with the Coalition for Plastic Reduction (CPR) last Wednesday, February 22, for a Lobby Day to Ban Polystyrene Foam (HB2376 and SB100). We held a press conference and met with legislators in offices and hallways to garner support for these important bills. Check out photos from the day and learn how you can help below.
Next Steps
For those of you who like to write, please write a Letter to the Editor.
For those of you who enjoy personal contact, call your legislators and set up a meeting! An EAC member will be happy to join you.
Share some statistics on polystyrene foam (seen below) with friends and family.
Do you have a favorite restaurant who uses foam and would consider switching to an alternative? CPR has a restaurant network that will provide opportunities to learn about and give feedback on policy, endorse legislation, and build media visibility for plastic reduction policies. We can provide you information and flyers, or work with you to reach out to your favorite spots together.
Talking Points on Polystyrene Foam
It is NOT biodegradable
It is made from petrochemicals including styrene, which has been classified by the World Health Organization as a “probable” carcinogen
Some studies indicate that polystyrene can leach chemicals into your food and drink, especially when heated
When it breaks apart, it not only releases chemicals into the environment but breaks into teeny tiny pieces that easily blow or get tangled up in sand/grass/water—over 11 MILLION pounds of plastic enter Lake Michigan alone every year
It is NOT recyclable curbside. Foam is easily contaminated by food, which makes it not recyclable. Before it can actually make it to a recycling facility, it easily breaks apart. Recycling facilities cannot handle items smaller than 3 inches—they slip through sorters and belts and become litter
As always, leave a comment below, or reach out to the Environmental Action Committee at environment@lwvchicago.org with questions.