Styrofoam at fast food places??? (Howe: buy, construction, station)

[californiaismyhome]

Okay i moved here from california, and i never once thought about styrofoam cups, because i was just used to using paper ones. Then i moved here and almost every fast food restraunt i have been to used styrofoam cups, and as im driving down the road in every empty or semi empty water way its filled with these styrofoam cups. I wonder if they know the devistation this causes our planet. Okay im not claiming everyone has to be green all the time, but making little changes will never hurt either. I know it would be great if we could just bring our own reusable drinking cups and just pay for the refill but i dont see that happining any time soon, so paper, which is biodegradable seems to be a much better option. Here is some info i found on this nuisance.
[SIZE=2]As early as 1972, researchers identified potentially toxic styrene residues in a majority of Americans sampled. By 1986, styrene was found in 100 percent of all samples of human fat tissue taken as part of a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Human Tissue Survey. Researchers found that Styrofoam cups lose weight when in use, meaning that styrene is oozing into the foods and drinks we consume. It then ends up stored in our fatty tissue, where it can build up to levels that can cause fatigue, nervousness, difficulty sleeping, blood abnormalities—and even carcinogenic effects oh and i really love this one [/SIZE]Both paper and Styrofoam contain molecules made up of millions of atoms held tightly together. For either to rot, takes the action of small animals, fungi, or microbes in the soil. These organisms have the digestive juices and enzymes that can break down giant molecules found in plants, and therefore digesting paper, a byproduct of plants, comes naturally to them.

However, these organisms have yet to evolve the enzymes specific to breaking down the dissimilar giant molecules found in Styrofoam and other plastics.

There have been recent advances that boast of plastics that have parts of their giant molecules similar in structure to that of wood.

These plastics, unlike Styrofoam, will rot in the environment because they are biodegradable. Until the organisms in our soil evolve into Styrofoam eating beings, it is fair to say that the environmentally conscious person has reason enough to put out the extra money and go with paper cups.

Think about the millions of Styrofoam cups eternally lying dormant in parks, cities, and other places where we now see litter.

Then think about if it would have made a difference to the environment had these cups been paper instead.

[ryneone]

The use them because in the humidity the styrofoam keeps your drinks cooler and the ice from melting longer.

[Bo]

Originally Posted by ryneone

The use them because in the humidity the styrofoam keeps your drinks cooler and the ice from melting longer.

Yep, it's not that we're unenlightened here. It really does make a big difference how long your fountain drink stays cold in the sun. Those cups may be bad for the environment, but they're a competitive necessity for any fountain drink seller who wants to sell to the many thirsty construction/landscape/outdoor workers in SA.

[Paka]

If you REALLY want to get sick at the idea...how about disposable diapers???? Think of how many ONE kid goes thru up to potty training age!!!

[01Snake]

I can only think of one fast food place with Styrofoam and thats Chick-Fil-A? Who else uses it?

[cwh]

Originally Posted by 01Snake

I can only think of one fast food place with Styrofoam and thats Chick-Fil-A? Who else uses it?

Whataburger.

Also remember Styrofoam is much lighter than paper cups, so they waste less fuel carting them around.

[cheermomof4girls]

Sonic uses them too.

[OzzyRules]

Most little generic, mom and pop places use them also.

[Bo]

Valero and Tetco stations use foam cups, too. Good luck convincing those places to change.

[OzzyRules]

Some places also use those thick plastic cups also. Almost like something you would buy as a permanent drinking cup for your home.

Which of the two is worse for the environment?