The most abundant type of non-cigarette litter is foamed polystyrene ("Styrofoam"). This foamed plastic never fully biodegrades. Since foamed polystyrene is light weight it can easily travel through gutters and storm drains, eventually reaching the ocean. In the marine environment, plastic breaks down into smaller and smaller particles that absorb toxic chemicals, are ingested by wildlife, and enter the food chain that we depend on (please see our Plastic Pollution page for more information on the impact of plastic).

Polystyrene is a threat to communities for several reasons: (1) Polystyrene contains toxic chemicals that can leach out of the material into hot foods and beverages that humans consume; (2) In most cities, polystyrene cannot be recycled or composted; (3) Polystyrene never fully biodegrades but can easily become litter, costing communities economically and environmentally.

 For these and other reasons, Save Our Shores supports a ban on Styrofoam take-out containers. Such an ordinance is needed to prevent plastic pollution, save money, and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels (which are necessary for the production of plastic-based materials).

There are many alternatives out there, such as recycled content cardboard containers and compostable containers. Save Our Shores would like to thank the Santa Cruz community for adopting a polystyrene take-out food container ban and hopes that other cities along the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary will take similar action.

Take Action!!

Styrofoam Ban for the City of Half Moon Bay and the County of San Mateo:

You can take 2 simple steps to make a difference today if you are a resident of the County of San Mateo:

1. Sign the following online petition to help us prove that there is community support for such an ordinance.

2. Download and print out the petition and help Save Our Shores gather signatures.  When you are done, you can send signed petitions to the SOS office at 234 Lake Ave. Suite A Santa Cruz, CA 95062 or you can stop by and drop it off anytime Tuesday-Thursday 9am-5pm.  Usted lo puede ver en español aquí.

Styrofoam Ban for the City of Salinas

You can take 2 simple steps to make a difference today if you are a resident of the City of Salinas:

1. Sign the following online petition to help us prove that there is community support for such an ordinance.

2. Download and print out the petition and help Save Our Shores gather signatures.  When you are done, you can send signed petitions to the SOS office at 234 Lake Ave. Suite A Santa Cruz, CA 95062 or you can stop by and drop it off anytime Tuesday-Thursday 9am-5pm.  Usted lo puede ver en español aquí.