At a time when going green has become a City priority, New York continues to use polystyrene foam, commonly known as Styrofoam, for food packaging. Styrofoam takes an unnecessary toll on our environment, and other materials that are recyclable or biodegradable to a greater degree can readily replace this resource.

Styrofoam does not decompose in landfills and consequently consumes more landfill space than other types of materials. It is a hazardous pollutant that endangers animal wildlife, and it can have serious impacts on human health as well as the economy.

By reducing waste and encouraging the use of safer, biodegradable and recyclable alternatives, we can work to eliminate the health, environmental, and economic hazards created by the manufacture and disposal of Styrofoam products.

We urge the Mayor and the City Council to support Introduction 609, sponsored by Councilmember Bill de Blasio, which would ban the use of Styrofoam and promote a safer, greener New York.