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They are how we protect our special coastal places

07 • 14 • 2014

Ban the Foam - DC

The DC Chapter wants to ban single use expanded polystyrene takeout and food containers in Washington DC. They have joined a large coalition of groups supporting this effort.

According to a recent study conducted by Anacostia Watershed Society, polystyrene (styrofoam) makes up almost 1/4 of the trash in the Anacostia River.  Mayor Vincent Gray has proposed a bill to ban polystyrene to stop this pervasive litter.

The DC Chapter supports the idea of banning foam in food service that would include:

  • plates
  • clamshells
  • hot and cold beverage cups
  • meat and vegetable trays, etc. 

It will affect restaurants, grocery stores, food trucks, coffee shops, and any other business that uses polystyrene to sell or provide food for consumption.

The Chapter is using social media to aid the campaign in addition to compiling a list of vendors who are currently using foam food containers. 
If you see foam at a restaurant, on the street, in the river—take a picture! 
Tweet it to @SurfriderDC with the hashtag #BanTheFoamDC and where you found it.  You can also post it on our facebook page or e-mail it to chair@dc.surfrider.org.
Please also help us locate vendors who are foam free! 
Tweet/facebook/e-mail us pictures and/or names of foam free vendors with the hashtag #FoamFreeDC.

The Chapter started a website http://banthefoam.org/ to encourage people to tweet their City Council members to ensure passage in between the first and second readings of the ordinance. They were able to stop industry efforts to weaken the bill.