Alternatives to styrofoam containers

[xospec1alk]

So recently the cafeteria at my job switched over from using plastic containers to hold food, to styrofoam containers. Well either or is bad, but somehow i think styrofoam is a little worse for the environment.

What alternatives can I suggest to the cafeteria people?

keep in mind that these containers need to be sealable because many people take these containers back to their desks...so glass plates isn't exactly an option

I guess we could always go back to plastic....

 

[Chunkee]

paper

 

[myusername]

Styrofoam is a superior product.

 

[xospec1alk]

you can't really put food like chicken breast and mash potatoes into a paper container though...

 

[Chunkee]

yes you can, stiff paper like paper cups

jC

 

[J0hnny]

McDonald's phased out styrofoam containers in 1988 because of the negative environmental impact of styrofoam.

Styrofoam is petroleum based (supports oil industry) and it does not biodegrade. It's a bigger problem when littered as well. Man, we should ban packing peanuts too!

 

[xospec1alk]

ahhhh true...i forgot about that

 

[myusername]

Originally posted by: J0hnny
McDonald's phased out styrofoam containers in 1988 because of the negative environmental impact of styrofoam.

Actually they weren't concerned with the environmental impact, but concerned with having the appearance of being concerned with environmental impact.

styrofoam is petroleum based (supports oil industry) and it does not biodegrade.

It is easily recycled, however. Those paper wraps that they use now are not.

Also take time to reflect that you haven't had a good, hot burger from McDonalds since 1988

 

[ScottMac]

The issue with *some* styro containers is that the manufacturer used foam expanded using freon/CFC products.

Dart Containers are steam expanded foam, and very recycleable. Dart even researched / developed a separation method for the recyc centers to easily separate the foam from the paper products.

Foam containers are OK, if they're made by Dart (and probably others, by now .... this was some time ago when the hippie tree-huggers reared their ugly lil' heads )

FWIW

Scott