Environmental Impact of Styrofoam Cups
Styrofoam or Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) is a lightweight, thermoplastic foam material used to make cups and other food packaging and food service products. Though the exact environmental impact of styrofoam cups is still debated, researchers argue that there are dangers associated with their production and use.
Production of Styrofoam
The production of styrofoam involves the synthesis of a highly flammable gas called styrene. The gas is then mixed with isobutane and ethylene to create a monomer liquid, which is then foamed, producing styrofoam. Its production generates a large amount of air pollution and is cited as a contributing factor to global warming. Studies have found that styrene, its emitted gasses, and styrene-containing particles are considered to be carcinogenic and toxic to humans.
Disposability of Styrofoam
Styrofoam cups are not recyclable and non-biodegradable. After they are discarded, they can remain in landfills and in the environment for hundreds of years. As they degrade, their particles may could endanger animal life and pollute the neighboring water and soil.
Health Hazards of Drinking From Styrofoam Cups
When heated, styrofoam breaks down and releases styrene into the beverage it contains. Styrene is classified as a “possible human carcinogen” by the Environmental Protection Agency. It is a hormone disruptor and can disturb the human endocrine system and cause diseases such as cancer and reproductive toxicity.
Is it Safe to Drink Coffee From A Styrofoam Cup?
According to the FDA, styrofoam cups “are generally recognized as safe for their intended use of hot and cold drinks.” The FDA also acknowledges that styrene is released into hot beverages from styrofoam cups, but the levels are stated to be insignificant and don’t pose any health risks.
Despite this, some environmentalists and health experts argue that the risks of drinking from styrofoam cups are too great to be ignored and recommend using other types of sustainable and biodegradable materials instead.
Economic Impact of Styrofoam Cups
Styrofoam cups are the cheapest and most popular food-service packaging options on the market, in part because they are efficient to produce and dispose of. Consequently, millions of styrofoam cups are used and thrown away every year, resulting in considerable economic losses.
Dumping of Styrofoam
As styrofoam is non-biodegradable, it piles up in landfills, where it takes up space until it can be burned or incinerated. This represents a loss of space that could have been used for more sustainable sources of waste disposal.
Resource Extraction
The production of styrofoam requires a significant amount of crude oil, a nonrenewable resource. As such, it can be argued that the economic benefit of using styrofoam is heavily outweighed by the costs associated with its extraction and disposal.
Harmed Wildlife
The destruction of habitats due to dumping of and use of otherwise non-biodegradable materials such as styrofoam can be devastating to local wildlife. Discarded and washed-up styrofoam can clog natural water passages and deprive fish of oxygen, leading to the death of entire species.
Alternative Materials
As reusable containers and biodegradable materials become more widely available and more affordable, people are becoming increasingly aware of the environmental and economic costs of using styrofoam cups. Many companies have committed to using more sustainable alternatives, such as plant-based compostable materials that are capable of breaking down in a matter of weeks.
Social Impact of Styrofoam Cups
Styrofoam’s popularity as an inexpensive alternative to other food-service containers has created a wide range of social issues.
Overuse of Styrofoam
The overuse of styrofoam has contributed to an increase in global waste production. According to the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), people worldwide are producing more than three times the amount of waste they did in 1950. Styrofoam accounts for a significant amount of this increase.
Poor Recycling Rates
Though some municipalities have implemented limited recycling programs for styrofoam, most of the material still ends up in landfills or incinerators. As a result, the material is not reused in any meaningful way.
Lack of Awareness
Due to its affordability and convenience, many people are unaware of the environmental and social implications of using styrofoam cups. Without effective education campaigns, people may not make the connection between their waste production and their impact on the planet.
Solutions
In order to reduce the number of styrofoam cups used, there are several initiatives that local governments, businesses, and individuals can take. Governments can implement policies that discourage the use of styrofoam and incentivize the use of sustainable materials. Businesses can also switch to more reusable and biodegradable materials for their food-service operations. Finally, individuals can get involved by making the switch to reusable containers and encouraging others to do the same.
Impacts on Human Health
The direct and long-term effects of drinking coffee from a styrofoam cup on human health are still the subject of debate.
Long-Term Health Effects
Studies have found that drinking from styrofoam cups may pose long-term health risks. The plasticizer used in making styrofoam can seep into the beverage and, when metabolized, can disrupt hormonal cycles and increase the risk of certain types of cancer.
Exposure to Chemicals
Styrene, the gas used in the production of styrofoam, is classified as a “possible human carcinogen” by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Exposure to high concentrations of the gas can cause dizziness, fatigue, and skin irritation.
Risk of Leaching
When hot beverages are stored in styrofoam cups, the plasticizers used in making the cups may leach into the liquid, resulting in high levels of contamination.
Regulations and Guidelines
The FDA has set a limit on the amount of styrene that is allowed to seep into beverages from styrofoam cups, but the guidelines are not strictly enforced. As such, it is still important to exercise caution when using styrofoam cups to store and transport food and drinks.
Alternatives to Styrofoam
With the growing awareness of the environmental, health, and economic impacts of styrofoam, people are seeking out more sustainable alternatives to packaging food-service items.
Reusable Containers
The most eco-friendly option is the use of reusable containers. These can be used over and over and don’t contribute to the waste cycle. This can be especially beneficial for businesses looking to reduce their plastic and styrofoam waste.
Biodegradable Products
Biodegradable products, such as plant-based packaging and containers, are becoming more popular as alternatives to styrofoam. They can break down in a matter of weeks, eliminating the need for them to be disposed of in landfills. Additionally, they are often made from renewable resources and are less likely to cause contamination or health issues.
Recycled Materials
The use of recycled materials, especially paper and plastic, is becoming increasingly popular. These materials can be easily recycled, reducing their environmental footprint and helping to conserve valuable resources.
Compostable Products
Compostable materials, such as sugarcane or cornstarch, are being increasingly used as alternatives to styrofoam. They are renewable, biodegradable, and nontoxic, making them a great option for businesses looking to reduce their plastic waste.
Conclusion
The debate over the safety of drinking coffee from a styrofoam cup is ongoing. While the FDA concedes that there is a risk of styrene leaching into beverages from styrofoam cups, it claims that the levels are too insignificant to pose a health risk. Nevertheless, the environmental and social impact of styrofoam are too great to be ignored and it is important for businesses and individuals to look for more sustainable and eco-friendly options. Reusable containers, biodegradable products, recycled materials, and compostable packaging are all viable alternatives to styrofoam that can help reduce waste and protect the environment.
