Pismo Beach goes green as the city council joins San Luis Obispo to ban expanded polystyrene food and drink containers.  If the council gives the final approval on December 15, then the ordinance will be rolled out on January 14 next year.

As reported by San Luis Obispo, Pismo Beach City Council unanimously voted in favour of an ordinance Tuesday night banning expanded polystyrene foam food and drink containers within the city.  If approved, Pismo Beach and San Luis Obispo are the only cities in the county to prohibit polystyrene food containers.

"Our intent was to address the issues with food vendors, the cups and the polystyrene food containers, which are the main problem I think we've encountered," Councilman Ed Waage said during discussion. "I think this ordinance covers all those. I think we're in pretty good shape there."

According to Michael Draze, the interim community developer director, the ordinance will return to the council on December 15 for a second reading and final approval.  If approved, it will be implemented on January 14, giving enough time to local food providers to eliminate their Styrofoam food containers.

This ordinance is similar to the one approved in July by San Luis Obispo Council getting rid of polystyrene food containers because of rising concerns on waste and environment.

"I've been extremely involved in beach cleanups and creek cleanups and things of that nature, and I've just seen Styrofoam as a pretty significant problem," Cal Poly senior Cory Jones said at the Pismo Beach meeting Tuesday. "Pretty much across the board in my age group, people are supportive of this, and we'd be pretty grateful if you'd move forward with this ordinance."

Food providers encompass city facilities and public events and they are prohibitted from selling or providing any disposable food or drink container made from expanded polystyrene in the city.  Food providers are required to use biodegradable or recyclable replacements.

However the ordinance does not affect polystyrene products with plastic covers or any durable covers, nor does it apply to food prepared and packaged outside the city.  It also does not apply packing peanuts or similar Styrofoam products not used for food packaging.

Violating the ordinance will result to fines.  If the business would suffer financial hardships because of the switch, then they can apply for a one-time six month exemption. 

Given that more and more locations are going green, do you think other cities will follow the ban of polystyrene food containers?  Spread the awareness by sharing the news on Facebook!