City of Santa Cruz Expanded EPS Foam Ban

In July 2012 the Santa Cruz City Council updated their existing expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam ban at restaurants to include most retail foam items as well. The ordinance language specifies that no vendor or event promoter in the City of Santa Cruz may sell, rent or otherwise provide any polystyrene/plastic foam product which is not wholly encapsulated or encased within a more durable material. This specifically includes, but is not limited to, cups, plates, bowls, clamshells and other products intended primarily for food service use, as well as coolers, containers, ice chests, shipping boxes, pool or beach toys, packing peanuts, or other packaging materials. Local Chapter activists sent in support letters, petitions and spoke at council meetings. Congrats to the Santa Cruz Chapter and other local organizations working on these important issues.