Aldermen Propose Ban on Styrofoam Food Containers

Two Chicago aldermen want to force coffee shops, restaurants, schools and other frequent users of Styrofoam and other polystyrene food containers to stop using them.

Aldermen Edward Burke and George Cardenas proposed an ordinance Wednesday that would require a switch to more eco-friendly products instead of the polystyrene products, which they say pose a health risk because toxic chemicals leach out of them into food.

In a news release, the aldermen say the ordinance would be particularly important to children. They say more than a quarter million public school students in the city use Styrofoam trays every day.

The ordinance was sent to the council's Finance Committee. If approved, it would be voted on by the full Council.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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