Styrofoam is arguably one of the most harmful pollutants clogging our Earth and oceans. Not only does it take over 500 years to decompose, making it difficult to get rid of, but studies have shown it can cause adverse side effects to people. 

Every day, students and teachers of Voss Middle School use polystyrene trays to hold their food, most of which is put right on the tray. Studies have shown that toxins like styrene and benzene can leach from the styrofoam trays into the food. These toxins have no place in schools, where one of their main focuses is the students' safety.

Additionally, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), National Toxicology Program (NTP), lists styrene as "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen." The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has determined that styrene is a possible human carcinogen. Why risk students' health for styrofoam when there are healthier alternatives?

Polystyrene foam can not biodegrade quickly, threatening wildlife ecosystems because of its long life and toxic chemicals. It persists in the environment in tiny particles— and since its invention, every bit of it ever made is still out there and could continue to threaten wildlife for hundreds of years to come.

End this threat of styrofoam from Voss Middle School to benefit students' health and the lives of animals! Sign the petition NOW to make polystyrene foam at VMS a thing of the past!