We aim to reduce or fully eliminate single-use expanded polystyrene (EPS), commonly known as “styrofoam”, in restaurants in the city of Dahlonega. As students attending the University of North Georgia we have researched the effects of styrofoam on both the environment and the human body. Styrene (a component of styrofoam) has been found in 100% of human tissue samples tested by Rutgers University, proving that styrofoam leaches into the foods we eat. Long term exposure to these small quantities of styrene can cause neurotoxic, hematological (relating to the blood), cytogenetic (relating to chromosomes), and carcinogenic effects. The environment is also affected by our consumption of styrofoam. Styrofoam is unable to biodegrade, so it stays in our environment for thousands of years. It does, however, break down into tiny pieces which makes it easy for animals to accidentally consume. The polystyrene manufacturing process is also the 5th largest creator of hazardous waste.  

Our end goal is to present to the Dahlonega City Council a petition containing a minimum of 200 signatures. With this petition we aim to convince the Council to create an ordinance for the city of Dahlonega, effectively banning the use of single-use expanded polystyrene in restaurants.

Learn more about our mission at our website: https://downwitheps.weebly.com/