The use of Styrofoam

[Guy]

In my AP Environmental Science class, we've brought up an interesting debate: should we continue or discourage the use of styrofoams?

Styrofoams are notorious for having extremely long biodegrading periods in the landfills. Although recyclable, it takes too much energy to do so. In addition, styrofoams contain styrene, and if it leaks into your food/soup, it may causes health damage and even cause cancer!

Our alternatives are paper cups, but it is said that paper cups uses more energy and money to make. In addition, paper cups only supports chopping down trees and forests. So, which one should we choose?

[II Xion II]

I also had AP Environmental Science (and AP Biology and AP Chemistry among science classes) in high school, but I do not remember talking about styrofoams. I have to say, though, that based on the facts and what I know about the material, it is not that good of an idea to use it. Biodegradable alternatives are available and there are many different practices that could be used to make up for the lack of styrofoam. Styrofoam cups are not needed, they are just a convenience for lazy people who do not like or do not want to use real cups for the job. The only real application of styrofoam is for padding products when they are bought or shipped, and I am sure there are low-cost biodegradable alternatives to that as well. Any type of PCB, plastic, or other similar material is bound to have toxicity issues related to its use, unfortunately old habits are hard to break and research and funding for other cheap alternatives is nearly nonexistent.

[Guy]

Yeah, it seems like the proof for being against styrofoams are overwhelmingly greater than the proof for styrofoams. I don't quite understand then, is that why are so many people unaware of these facts, and why are styrofoams so popular still?

In addition, how about the facts that styrofoams are cheaper? Is that what makes people want them more over than paper cups?