Ban the Use of Styrofoam in Jamaica

Styrofoam litter is one of the most common types marine litter found in coastal areas. Foam occupies a significant space in our dumps and when disposed of improperly it is easily blown or washed into storm drains and bodies of water. This product does not decompose and takes hundreds of years to photo degrade, (breaking into smaller pieces over time when exposed to light and wave action)

In addition to being unsightly it is an extremely dangerous threat to human health and the wider environment, Toxic chemicals stick to the surface of foam particles and once they become micro litter Birds, fish, and other wildlife may ingest the foam particles, causing the polystyrene and other toxins to enter the food chain. Once in the food chain, these chemicals may impact human health. In 2011 styrene was classified as carcinogen by the National Toxicology Program (NTP), a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. People unwittingly put EPS containers in microwaves, in wood stoves and on top of campfires which may result in the product leaching into food and drink.

The containers also serve as breeding sites for vectors such as mosquitoes.

The improper disposal of single use items pose an economic issue also as millions of state funds are spent on clean up and disposal activities. Costs that can be reduced by investing in the use of recyclable and compostable alternatives,

We consider this ban to be a necessary step towards encouraging sustainable waste management practices. Specifically, reducing the use of one use consumables items. This petition seeks to amass support for the comprehensive reduction in our nations solid waste production and carbon footprint.