For years I’ve been going to Kèva Juice for their awesome smoothies. But every time, my drink gets served in styrofoam cups. Many other customers I see, like my classmates, throw the cups in the trash as opposed to recycling them. Kèva Juice doesn’t have a recycling bin in their stores so I bought a reusable cup they provide, but that still hasn’t satisfied me. We’re more advanced than ever before and yet we’re still using old techniques that are killing our environment.

POLYSTYRENE(EPS)-This type of foam is made with Styrene, which in a study from the National Toxicological Program in 2014, is a factor in leukemia and lymphoma cancer. The Environmental Agency(EPA) lists health hazards for those who are exposed to manufactured products with styrene. Side effects include irritation of the skin, eyes, and the upper respiratory tract and gastrointestinal effects.

POLLUTION-Air pollution due to proximity to industries that make Styrofoam affect the public, according to the NIH report. Many of the chemicals used in the manufacturing process are toxic, and workers who make them are at the greatest risk. Emissions from these factories can pollute the air, and the liquid and solid waste produced need disposal. Land pollution is disastrous due to many communities who can’t recycle it. Even if it is recycled, the process is very hard, extremely in large amounts. Styrofoam also doesn’t decompose quickly, around 500 to one million years depending on who you talk to. Marine life is fading due to styrofoam polluting our oceans, many animals and species are dying because of it. 

ALTERNATIVES-Ecovative Design has created a styrofoam from fungi, which is environmentally safe and safe to contain food. Using decomposable plastic cups made from corn, my work uses these.

MY GOAL-My thoughts towards making a change is to start small, start local. That’s why I’m trying to change one of many local businesses in ways that don’t harm the environment. Starting small will help gain momentum for larger projects. That’s why I must thank all supporters for helping me share this petition and for signing it. Please keep up the work! Thank you.