Dear Alaskan Legislators,

We, the undersigned, support House Bill 25, (HB 25) a bill that would prevent restaurants from using disposable polystyrene foam packaging to serve prepared foods. The bill also requires the use of biodegradable or compostable food service ware.

Polystyrene foam (“styrofoam”) contains the chemical styrene, which has been linked to health harms including certain cancers (such as leukemia and lymphoma). When used to hold hot or warm foods, styrene leaches into the food and can then be ingested. The manufacturing of styrene also presents a threat to the health of workers.

Styrofoam is also harmful as an environmental pollutant. It is lightweight which makes it susceptible to enter into our oceans and other waterways where it can be ingested by fish, seabirds, and marine mammals. It makes up a large percentage of waste mass in landfills, approximately 25-30%. Polystyrene is not recyclable.

We support HB 25 as introduced by Representative Josephson and request that you support this necessary bill.