The end of the styrofoam era?

Posted by Cee Bee on February 5, 2008 8:17 AM

Ontario-based company P & C Compostech is determined to end the use of styrofoam containers and replace them with an eco-friendly material.

Only one plant in Canada had the ability to recycle styrofoam, or polystyrene (its technical name) and it closed in December because the cost to keep it open was too high and the facility was losing money. Styrofoam is made from a toxic, non-renewable, non-biodegradable material. The new material proposed is produced in China and is everything that styrofoam isn't (in a good way!). Made from bamboo and sugar cane, the material is biodegradable, waterproof, non-toxic and safe for the environment. Event better, you can compost it in your backyward in about a month and if it makes its way into the garbage, it will biodegrade within three months.

Clarke Bitter, president of P & C Compostech, is hoping to open a manufacturing plant in Canada, as the material is currently only produced in China and expensive (and bad for the earth!) to transport to Canada. Currently the Compostech containers are not accepted by blue box recycling programs in Canada, however Ontario officials are studying the alternative material.

Keep your fingers crossed that more such alternatives are on the way. I'm constantly suprised when eating out and taking hom leftovers, at the number of restaurants that still use styrofoam containers, but what other alternatives are there? Some places try boxes, but nothing is worse than arriving home and discovering your food saturated you doggie bag (box?) and leaked all over your good jeans. I admit I'm guilty of occasionally using styrofoam containers, occasionally even heating food in them (I'm hanging my head in shame as I write). An earth-friendly alternative that also isn't detrimental to my health would be a welcome - and long overdue - change.

» The Niagara Falls Review

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It is encouraging to see people talking about this. I would like to clear up one point. Our Compostech products will never go in your blue box, they are not made from oil or metal, the containers go in the green bin or your grey box. The best plac is a backyard composter as this method of disposal does not require any transportation of waste.
These products will help reduce landfill burdens and property tax increases. Our provincial government MUST close a loophole in the waste diversion act which allows companies who DO NOT PACKAGE IN RECYCALABLES to pay nothing towards the problems they create. This legeslation is currently up for review. Please write, phone or e-mail your ontario mpp and make them aware of this urgent issue. For a matter of 5 cents per container, most large corporations will not switch to alternatives.
When your done with your politicians, do the same with your local restaurant, work cafateria or school. Most of these places do not use compostables. They will if you tell them too!All of you. At the same time. we made mcDonald's change back in 1992, we CAN succeed with the rest of them. Remember, almost everything you throw in the garbage comes from your food. Tell your grocery manager about the alternatives, We can replace all those polystyrene boards vthat meat comes on. IT IS UP TO YOU TO FORCE THESE DECISIONS. Go to www.naturopack.com and sign the petition!
Thank you
Clarke Bitter,
President and CEO,
P&C Compostech Inc.

Clarke Bitter (Posted February 22, 2008 4:50 AM)