Penn State University Park has taken many precautions to stop the spread of the Corona Virus. While they are doing a great job but one of the new measures taken is using one-time use Styrofoam food containers in the dining halls and non recycle-able plastic containers for fruit/salad. 

These materials are very bad for our environment. Studies have shown that styrofoam stays in a landfill for up to 500 years after it is thrown out and some landfills have 30% of their space used by styrofoam. The worst part is that about 20% of styrofoam ends up in water sources such as lakes and oceans and can prove deadly to the wildlife who mistake it for food. Styrofoam is NOT biodegradable so it won’t be broken down by bacteria like other more environmentally friendly options. 

The non recyclable plastics are self-explanatory in that they are single use and immediately go to landfills where they are not made use of again and will not decompose. There are many recycle-able plastic options that would serve the same purpose and would be more beneficial to the environment.

Instead of continuing to use these harmful containers, the university should start using containers that are compostable and/or biodegradable. Containers made from plant fibers such as sugarcane are perfect replacements. These containers are suitable for hot and cold food, and they are also microwaveable. 

It is time for this university to take the environment into account when purchasing the materials we use everyday!