Ban Foam Foodware
Tired of Styrofoam® on the takeout menu? We’re fighting to pass Illinois legislation that would impose a ban on single-use polystyrene foam foodware in Illinois.
Illinois House Bill 2376 amends the Environmental Protection Act and provides that, beginning January 1, 2024, a store in Illinois may not sell or distribute disposable food service containers that are composed in whole or in part of plastic polystyrene foam (commonly known as Styrofoam®).
Plastic polystyrene foam is a known hazardous substance. It leaches into food and drink, and it is a principal source of litter. We know that plastic never fully deteriorates, and only a fraction of all plastic is recycled.
Some plastic just doesn’t belong in 2023, especially single-use plastics, which make up nearly half of our plastic use. While many of us do our part to properly dispose of the plastics we acquire, it simply isn’t enough to get at the root of this problem.
Illinois has a chance to become a leader on tackling plastic pollution by passing a statewide ban on polystyrene foam cups and takeout containers this legislative session.
As a partner in the Coalition for Plastic Reduction, LWV Chicago’s Environmental Action Committee (EAC) is spearheading our efforts to ban foam. Learn more about the EAC’s work.
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Leaguers traveled with the Coalition for Plastic Reduction last Wednesday for a Lobby Day to Ban Polystyrene Foam. Check out photos from the day and learn how you can help.