Plastic utensils and styrofoam containers illegal in Hawaii

Ordinance 19-30, also known as Bill 40 or the Disposable Food Ware Ordinance makes it illegal to sell plastic partyware forks, spoons and knives. It is also illegal to sell food in styrofoam containers. 

Plastic forks, spoons, knives, and styrofoam containers have become ubiquitous in our daily lives, especially in the food industry. However, these items have a major impact on our environment and are responsible for creating a significant amount of trash. 

First, let's talk about plastic cutlery. Plastic forks, spoons, and knives are often used only once and then thrown away, making them a major source of single-use plastic waste. According to the Ocean Conservancy, plastic cutlery is one of the most commonly found items in beach cleanups and can take hundreds of years to degrade in the ocean. This contributes to plastic pollution, which harms marine life, and can also lead to the creation of microplastics, which can be ingested by wildlife and enter the food chain.

Styrofoam containers are another source of trash that has a negative impact on the environment. Made from expanded polystyrene, these containers are not biodegradable and can take hundreds of years to break down. They can also release harmful chemicals into the environment, and when they do break down, they become small particles that can be ingested by wildlife.

To reduce the amount of trash created by plastic cutlery and styrofoam containers, there are several solutions that can be implemented. One solution is to switch to biodegradable and compostable alternatives, such as bamboo or paper cutlery and containers made from cornstarch. These materials can be easily composted, reducing the amount of waste in landfills and helping to protect the environment. Unfortunately, eating off a bamboo or paper utensil tastes yucky.

Another solution is to encourage people to bring their own reusable cutlery and containers when they eat out. Some restaurants and cafes now offer discounts to customers who bring their own reusable items, and this can help to reduce the amount of waste generated.  Of course, using the same utensils over and over can pick up bacteria, which can give you MRSA. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a cause of staph infection that is difficult to treat because of resistance to some antibiotics. You can get sepsis and die.

Switching to biodegradable alternatives and encouraging the use of reusable items, can reduce their impact on our environment.   When visiting Hawaii, go to a dollar store and bring some plasticware and plastic straws if you like to taste your food.