As of Jan. 1, plastic foam, commonly referred to as Styrofoam, was banned in California and Oregon.
Often used for insulation, packaging and food containers, Styrofoam became widely used following its public introduction in the 1960s. An estimated three million tons of polystyrene, a similar material to Styrofoam, is produced annually.
For those who valued its convenience, the ban put users at a disadvantage. The lack of substitute materials made carrying food and drinks more difficult.
Nicole Gonzalez, senior architecture major, questioned the future of packaging without Styrofoam.
“Styrofoam cups are better in general. They keep your drink cold but don’t make your hands cold and have a better grip,” Gonzalez said.
With the ban, consumers were given alternative plastic or paper options for cups and containers, though these materials also have drawbacks.
However, the shift away from polystyrene was intended to benefit the environment. Current statistics show that 25 billion Styrofoam cups are discarded annually in the United States. As a non-biodegradable material, Styrofoam lingers in the environment, harming wildlife. Ocean Conservancy, one of the many groups advocating for the ban, reported cleaning more than 750,000 pieces of plastic foam from coastlines each year.
Miranda Eddins, senior architecture major, expressed mixed feelings about removing Styrofoam.
“While I am glad the ban will help the environment, I am worried about the new material of choice. There must be a replacement with equivalent insulation,” Eddins said.
The Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act, which led to the ban, was introduced in California in 2023 as an alternative to an outright prohibition. Styrofoam manufacturers were given until 2025 to reach a 25% recycling rate. In Oregon, the ban took effect the same day and included other items such as single-use coolers.
California and Oregon are now on track toward a greener future, reducing waste in ecosystems along the coast. However, the full impact of removing this common material on the economy and daily life remains to be seen.
