Globally, over 14 million tons of expanded polystyrene foam (Styrofoam) is produced annually. Reduce and Reuse. http://ShySky.com - Visit our site for even more cheap DIY projects, how to's, recycling and green energy tips. They should also encourage and support movements that do the same. We ran a company that processed at least 40,000 per week of compacted foam. The best thing for environmentally conscious consumers who know how Styrofoam is bad for the environment to do is to reduce their use of Styrofoam. Our national network has won similar efforts to reduce waste and plastic pollution, from statewide pro-recycling laws to the first statewide plastic bag ban in California. Expanded polystyrene foam, commonly referred to as styrofoam, is one of the most common materials used in a wide variety of applications – from appliances … Organizations that receive a large amount of EPS foam (especially in packaging) can invest in a compactor that will reduce the volume of the products. Since the advent of accessible plastic, America has defined itself as a disposable culture. Since current recycling rates for Styrofoam run at a dismal 10-12%, reusing or donating Styrofoam peanuts when possible seems like a great option. This article explains about top 10 styrofoam recycling tips in details. I recycled EPS foam and sold machines to do so. We choose egg cartons made of hard plastic or cardboard or take a reusable coffee cup rather than grabbing a disposable Styrofoam cup. Takeout containers, plastic Starbucks cups, non–recyclable home goods and vast overconsumption all play a role in defining that culture. She started at Treehugger in 2013 and is now the Senior Commerce Editor. Nice to see an article like this to educate the public." The cost of transporting bulky polystyrene waste discourages recyclers from recycling it. Maggie Badore is an environmental reporter based in New York City. We know how to combine professional research and advocacy with citizen support to get results. Reduce, Reuse and Rethink is a CBC News series about recycling. An Economical Styrofoam Recycling Method. But even for conscientious consumers, sometimes Styrofoam packaging cannot be avoided. “I designed the Styro-Constrictor so Styrofoam could be removed from the waste stream and cost communities less than it costs to landfill,” says Ohnemus. As a country, we produce an astronomical amount of waste. Sold machinery to furniture retailer who saved 80% of waste hauling costs, also sold machine to fish processor who just compacted 50:1 ratio to reduce their waste costs. Since Styrofoam is difficult or nearly impossible to recycle what if anything can the general public do to limit its use? There are 380 (Dr. Steve Atwater, 2014) students in attendance for the school year of 2015-2016, 110 of which eat one Top 5 Ways Recycle Styrofoam The absolute best way to live an eco-friendly lifestyle is to reduce… Reducing Styrofoam Tray Waste Polystyrene, (C8H8)n, is used in products all across the nation, from packaging and yogurt containers, to disposable razors and, for the students at my high school, in their disposable lunch trays. How Can I Reduce Styrofoam Usage? Here are some important tips. In our individual efforts to reach Zero Waste, many of us try to avoid plastic foam (also known as Styrofoam) packaging. Recyclers will pay more for the compacted product so the investment can be recovered relatively easier. Author: By Karen Frazier Dealing with one box of annoying packing materials at your home is one thing, but retail inventory is a foam beast. We're exploring why our communities are at a turning point and exploring ways to recycle better. 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