An April 28 Prince George’s County Council press release announced that the Council approved legislation (Council Bill 5-2015) banning the sale and use of certain Styrofoam food containers and package filling. As previously reported on Conduit Street, Montgomery County passed a similar ban in January, 2015. From the press release:
Under the legislation, Council Bill 5-2015 would prohibit the sale of certain expanded polystyrene food service products and loose fill packaging. The foam form of expanded polystyrene is commonly used to make disposable plates, hot and cold beverage cups, bowls and other items.
Council Members Mary Lehman (D) – District 1, Deni Taveras (D) – District 2 and Dannielle Glaros (D) – District 3, proposed CB-5-2015 in response to the adverse environmental impact of polystyrene in Prince George’s County communities and on waterways.
“Trash pollution in our neighborhoods and rivers drives down property values, burdens communities and deters economic development,” said Council Member Lehman. “By passing this legislation, the Council sends a message that protecting our environment and natural resources is a legislative priority. The quality of our living environment directly impacts the quality of life for our residents.”
“On Saturday, April 25, thousands of Prince Georgians demonstrated their commitment to our environment by volunteering for ‘Clean Up Green Up,’ Earth Day and Christmas in April,” said Council Member Glaros. “This legislation will further those efforts by significantly decreasing the use of Styrofoam in our County and keeping it out of our streams where it causes great harm.”
“The County Council is serious about promoting environmentally sustainable business practices,” said Council Member Taveras. “From start to finish, we have listened to our small businesses and taken their concerns to heart. Eliminating Styrofoam packaging actually helps our small businesses remain competitive with larger chain operations.” …
With the adoption of Council Bill 5-2015, Prince George’s County joins Montgomery County and the District of Columbia in an expanded polystyrene ban, and greater protection of the Anacostia Watershed.
The press release also contained quotes of support from various environmental and anti-litter groups.