Prohibit Expanded Polystyrene Foam in Sonoma County

1. Expanded polystyrene foam (EPS), often called "Styrofoam" which refers to a specific brand, is currently banned on government property in Sonoma County. This ban has been in place since 1989; however, the ban has not been enforced uniformly, if at all, in many county buildings nor is the limited ban effective in reducing foam pollution.
2. EPS foam is a global and local issue. The light nature of EPS foam causes it to easily blow away and become litter. EPS foam is one of the main items picked up at Surfrider beach cleanups along the Sonoma Coast. EPS foam does not biodegrade and contributes to the marine debris that is choking our oceans.
3. Although EPS foam is considered recyclable, it is not recycled in Sonoma County nor many other areas due to its low scrap value and high cost to clean any food contamination.
4. This petition calls for the systematic enforcement of the foam ban in County buildings as well as a prohibition of polystyrene foam containers by restaurants and food vendors for use and distribution of cold and hot foods in Sonoma County.