Maine House Votes To Ban Styrofoam Statewide

As a person who pretty much always has a takeout container at the end of my restaurant meal I confess I am really fine with the idea of putting my food in something more eco-friendly.

This vote reported by the Portland Press Herald said this bill was primarily supported by Democrats and Independents and no Republicans. The actual vote tally was 87-51.

What this means for Maine businesses that sell food to go is that by 2021 they will need to find another way to package their to go products and leftovers. According to the story there are already towns in Maine who have already banned polystyrene containers, also known as Styrofoam. Maine could be the first in the nation to enact a statewide ban.

Those for this ban believe if this comes to fruition is that litter in the state's lakes, rivers and coastal waters could be reduced.

The other side is saying the ban would burden small business without addressing the underlying "throw-away culture."