HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-02-2015 PH1 J. RandsCOUNCIL MEETING: 02- of
ITEM NO.:
JANINE KENNEL RANDS Speech to City Council
RE: Proposed Ordinance Regulating Expanded Polystyrene Food Coo s
Mayor Marx and City Council: JUN - 3 2015
I am Janine Rands, residing at 81 Encanto Lane, SLO. I want to thank your ounnc��dd'b� he
SLO FOAM FREE team for your affirmation and support to address the problem of Polystyrene and
its litter here in our City. o Gr SLO FOAM FREE committee has
done a lot of research and made many contacts. We've created a Window Decal (show) to give to
restaurants and businesses who are complying already with the Ordinance.
We really don't need more facts, figures and research to prove that this stuff is bad for our
environment and health, our waterways and landfill issues. The manufacturing industry pulled a
good one, back in the 1980's, introducing Polystyrene as a food -safe product. The American
community believed and embraced this "innovative" container with open arms — so much that even
our schools got rid of the plastic and tin washable trays, to replace with Polystyrene trays and
dishes. To the tune of 17,000 trays per day, Lucia Mar was using these in their 30 schools up
through 2014. Happily now, nationwide, many schools have heard the news and turned back to
alternative containers.
Many of our leading restaurant chains still serve hot, oily and acidic food and drinks in Polystyrene —
to unknowing patrons. The majority of people still have no idea of the toxins and poisonous
chemicals that are leached into food and drink, downing with their food. With the rise in cancers —
we need to eliminate what's been proven to be a serious health risk.
The California Coastal Commission estimates that more than one million seabirds, 100,000 marine
mammals and countless fish die each year from marine debris. We should be "pollution- shamed"
into mandating a change to the constant flow of our refuse to our creeks, rivers and oceans.
Finally, we need to remember that expanded polystyrene, even when properly disposed of, still
creates a huge impact on our environment. Some studies indicate that EPS composes up to 30% of
the volume of a typical landfill. Our own Cold Canyon Landfill is just about maxed out and is
currently requesting approval to expand acreage, volume and the daily rate of incoming trash from
1200 to 1650 tons per day. The addition of Polystyrene needs to be stopped immediately by every
person — restaurant, business, schools and even medical offices. With the help of this Ordinance
and education, it is an important step in the right direction. Today's City Council vote on this
Ordinance isAi*e will end our addiction to Foam and take a progressive position on the problems
that will affect our children and grandchildren for decades to come.
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