California May Ban Styrofoam Take-Out Containers

In a move that experts say will open the door to the rest of the country, the State of California is considering a ban on styrofoam food containers.

The bill by Democratic state Sen. Alan Lowenthal, would prohibit restaurants, grocery stores and other vendors from dispensing food in expanded polystyrene containers, commonly known as Styrofoam, beginning in 2016. If signed into law, the measure would make California the first to institute a statewide ban on such containers. More than 50 California cities and counties already have similar bans.

The move would appeal to environmentalists as it would help keep the omnipresent containers out of landfills.

"It's not biodegradable, it's not compostable, and if it's in the water for a long time, it breaks up into small beads and lasts for thousands of years. It costs millions to clean up beaches," [according to experts].

But critics warn that such a ban could have further-reaching effects.

California considers Styrofoam containers ban - Business - Going Green - msnbc.com.