In classroom discussions, many questions
are asked about the impact of polystyrene on the environment.
Here are the set of frequently asked questions and facts regarding
polystyrene and. In this way, we can understand more how we
can understand polystyrene better and remove possible misconceptions
about this.
Question: Is Polystyrene packaging necessary
for food packaging?
Answer: With
today's fast-paced lifestyle, society requires a fast and
reliable way of being served fresh, clean food in most convenient
and sanitary way. This is one advantage of polystyrene which
reusable or paper packaging cannot offer, speed and reliability.
Other qualities that can be attributed to the use of polystyrene
both in food packaging and protective packaging are: it is
sanitary, sturdy, economical and more dependable.
Question: Is it true that polystyrene is
non-boidegradeable therefore is bad for the environment?
Answer: According
to the Garbage Project conducted by Dr. William Rathje of
the University of Arizona, nothing biodegrades in modern landfills
-- not even paper or food. However, over time, decomposition
of these biodegradeable materials occur producing methane
gas allowing potentially toxic leachate to pollute underground
water. Because polystyrene is chemically inert, it will not
decompose or harm our resources if disposed in landfills.
Question: Do Foam and solid polystyrene constitute
the bulk of the solid waste and landfills?
Answer: Foam
Polystyrene constitutes only about 1/8 of 1% of the total
waste thrown in landfills. Even in developed countries like
the United States, Foam PS is only approximately 0.5% of the
volume of solid waste. PS is a thermoplastic, therefore it
is 100% recyclable. By this reason, it should not go ito the
waste stream.
Question: Does Polystyrene contains harmful
CFC's that contributes to the destruction of the ozone layer
and global warming?
Answer: Most
polystyrene foam manufacturers have never used CFC. A few
who did have voluntarily converted to other alternative blowing
agents since 1992, way before the deadline set by the provisions
of the Montreal Protocol, making this package material 100%
free of ozone depleting substances.
Question: Is polystyrene hazardous when burned?
Answer: Burning
PS produces harmless carbon dioxide and water according to
studies conducted by research institutes: "the toxic
effect of burning PS is equivalent to that of burning of wood."
Question: Does foam PS transfer its odor
or taste to food?
Answer: Foam
PS is an inert material, therefore, odor or taste can not
be transferred from the packaging material to the food.
Question: Is Polystyrene recyclable?
Answer: YES!
Polystyrene is 100% recyclable, and is now being recycled
in the Philippines.
Question: Where is the recycling plant located?
Answer: It is
located in Barangay Patag, Sta. Maria, Bulacan.
Question: What is Polystyrene recycled into?
Answer: It is
used in many useful products like rulers and office accessories,
hangers, video and audio housings, and many more.
|