Let's ban polystyrene! Chatham County does not currently have a program in place to recycle polystyrene. This plastic comes in various forms, including expanded polystyrene (styrofoam) and extruded polystyrene (housing insulation). This material can take up to 500 years to decompose, making it essentially non-biodegradable. 

Polystyrene most often ends up in our landfills and oceans, harming the environment, wildlife, and public health. When improperly disposed, polystyrene leaches chemicals into the ground, contaminating water sources and creating hazardous waste.

A few important statistics:

• It's estimated that Americans throw away 25 billion Styrofoam cups every year. (earthday.org)
• Roughly 30% of landfills are made up of styrofoam. (sej.org)
• On average, styrofoam makes up 15% of litter in storm drains. (frontiergroup.org)
• Polystyrene composes 90% of all marine litter. (epe.global)

Reducing consumption of single-use plastics is the most effective action towards keeping non biodegradable material out of waterways and landfills, thereby protecting public health and marine life. Therefore, we are urging Chatham County to ban polystyrene altogether. 

Several cities and states have banned styrofoam or are in the process of implementing a ban, including Maine, Maryland, Vermont, New York, New Jersey, Washington, Delaware, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington, D.C. Many other countries already enjoy a polystyrene ban, including Canada, England, Scotland, Ireland, Italy, France, Germany, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Chile.

With the help of local and national nonprofits, and through the example of states and countries that have already committed to a ban, it is evident that the Savannah-area is capable of joining the global phase-out of polystyrene. Sign this petition to if you believe in a sustainable future for Chatham County!