Gov. Mills signs law banning foam food and drink containers

[jpak]

https://www.pressherald.com/2019/04/30/gov-mills-signs-law-banning-foam-food-and-drink-containers/

Gov. Janet Mills signed a bill into law Tuesday that made Maine one of the first states to ban single-use food and drink containers made from polystyrene.

The law prohibits restaurants, coffee shops, food trucks, grocery stores and other “covered establishments” from using containers made of polystyrene – known by the trade name Styrofoam – as of Jan. 1, 2021.

Hospitals, seafood shippers and stores that sell pre-packaged meat are exempt from the ban.

“Maine has proven itself an environmental leader once again, this time in eliminating disposable foam containers that have become a common, costly, and deadly form of plastic pollution,” said Sarah Lakeman, sustainable Maine director at the Natural Resources Council of Maine.

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[PoindexterOglethorpe]

1. Probably a good idea, but what's the replacement?

will we be back to the paper cups we used to have?

I very rarely get any kind of beverage for carry-out, as it happens. But when travelling I often stop at a fast food place to eat and drink. Actually, I almost never get a soft drink, just water, but it still needs to be in something.

[Maine-i-acs]

2. Some nice pressed paper alternatives exist

Already in use around here in many cases.
An easy conversion (like the Bottle Bill)

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

5. Thank you.

Sort of like the straw solution.

The only time I ever use a straw is when I'm on a road trip and buy a soft drink. Otherwise in restaurants I haven't use them in years.

[pansypoo53219]

4. bring one. w/ a lid.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

6. If I got things like coffee regularly, I probably would.

I normally have one cup of instant coffee each morning at home. The only other time I get a coffee is if I'm having breakfast in a restaurant, and usually that's served in a real cup.

[Maine-i-acs]

3. The Anti-LePage strikes again! nt

further subtext unnecessary

[Finishline42]

7. why the exemptions?

Why are these exempted? Especially the 'stores that sell pre-packaged meat'?

Hospitals, seafood shippers and stores that sell pre-packaged meat are exempt from the ban.

[Maine-i-acs]

8. harder to find "sterile" alternatives

the current setup (styrofoam + absorbent) does not quite yet translate to alternative packaging - there is a risk of microbes multiplying, so food safety concerns are a little more acute.