Starting on July 1st, the city of Ventura is banning restaurants, grocery stores and other food providers from using styrofoam food and drink containers. The City Council unanimously approved the ban back in November because polystyrene products aka styrofoam is harmful for the environment. Ventura is joining more than 130 other cities and counties in California prohibiting expanded polystyrene products to some degree. Ventura Mayor Sofia Rubalcava said in a press release,
“As a coastal community, we must ensure that we are protecting our environment, natural resources, wildlife and the health of our community. Polystyrene is one of the most prevalent forms of litter found in our storm drains, creeks, rivers, beaches, parks, and open spaces. It’s light, hard to remove and quickly breaks into small pieces.”
The banned expanded polystyrene items include cups, plates, bowls, trays, cartons and "clamshells." Food providers can use any non-expanded polystyrene products like aluminum and plastic containers to replace the banned ones. There will be a one year exemption available for any food provider who believes it will experience financial hardship due to the ban. You can apply to the city for the exemption.
If a business or restaurant is unwilling to work with the city after a year, the city could issue a written warning and can also fine the business. You can find out more information on the ban at cityofventura.ca.gov/EPSBan or by emailing the city at EPSban@cityofventura.ca.gov.
What do you think about this ban?
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