Styrofoam is bad for the body as well as the environment
In 1990, the McDonald’s corporation began packaging their hamburgers in paper wrappers instead of Styrofoam clamshells. The switch resulted in a positive stab towards environmental conservation, seeing as it is a widely trumpeted fact that Styrofoam is bad for the environment. However, recent studies indicate that Styrofoam dinnerware doesn’t just build up in landfills—it builds up in people’s bodies as well.
The phenomenon is called “styrene
migration”. Basically, the styrene chemicals that make up Styrofoam can be
absorbed by food and ingested. It is believed that these chemicals are
absorbed faster if the food is either very hot or very cold—making that
steaming, disposable cup of coffee a nightmare.
One U.S. EPA study of corpse fat cells revealed buildups of styrene residues. This means that these chemicals don’t just disappear after the food digests, but can be stored in the body for years on end. Scientists are concerned that styrene chemicals may mimic estrogen and can upset normal hormonal processes, resulting in various health problems.
Also, Styrofoam is made with petroleum based chemicals. Petroleum is a limited resource and large contributor to pollution—also, it can hardly enhance the flavor of your food. Styrofoam does not biodegrade. With approximately 25 trillion Styrofoam cups being thrown away every year in the U.S. alone, the waste continues to grow. Disposable paper products aren’t much better, since they contribute to the destruction of forests.
So what is the disposable-dependent world to do? Luckily for the eater-on-the-go, there is a solution.
In recent years, dinnerware manufacturers have been trying to produce new disposable products that are good for the environment and the body. Several innovative options come from the folks at World Centric, a non-profit organization devoted to providing eco-friendly disposable dinnerware.
World Centric’s “bagasse” tableware includes various sizes of cups, plates, bowls, take-out containers, and even dinner trays. Bagasse products are formed at high temperatures from sugar cane fiber. Unlike petroleum or wood, sugar cane is easily renewable and chemical free. Bagasse dinnerware has the feel of tough, woven paper products, but is far more durable.
Bagasse products are biodegradable, and are ideal material for compost piles. The dinnerware will disintegrate naturally within thirty to ninety days. Bagasse products are soak proof and can hold both hot and cold items. The dinnerware is also microwave safe.
Other important World Centric products include their Bioplastics. The Bioplastics line includes sturdy plastic forks, spoons, and knives, as well as cups, straws and kitchen trash bags. The “plastic” is made primarily from corn and potato starch. The biodegradable products can decompose within ninety to one hundred and eighty days in a commercial composting facility. Bioplastics are not meant for the microwave.
Bagasse products and Bioplastics are meant for both household and industrial use. Because landfill waste produces methane, a gas pollutant, it is encouraged to compost bagasse and Bioplastic dinnerware. World Centric hopes that their products will increase awareness and draw attention to the importance of human impact on the environment. For more information, or to purchase these products, visit www.worldcentric.org.
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