The creation of styrofoam waste threatens the public health, safety and welfare and negatively affects tourism and urban aesthetics. Styrofoam litter can be very difficult to control. Because it is so lightweight, it blows around in the wind and floats on water. Styrofoam litter causes urban blight and regulatory compliance difficulties. It is not biodegradable, so even if it is used once for only a few minutes, it can take hundreds of years to deteriorate. In addition, affordable biodegradable alternatives exist. Leading US cities (e.g., Portland, Berkeley, San Francisco, Oakland) have successfully proven that a styrofoam ban is good for business, consumers and the environment. It's time Denver chose to protect our parks, streets and children from this harmful waste.