Last we heard of a proposed ban on the plastic foam product widely known as Styrofoam, it had been proposed by recycling czar Ron Gonen, but the mayor had not commented saying whether he’d support such a measure. Now, in a move that should surprise no one, Bloomberg will propose the ban in his final State of the City address tonight. “We can live without it, we may live longer without it,” he plans to say, “and the doggie bag will survive just fine.”
In order to become law, the measure would have to pass through city council–and speaker Christine Quinn has already indicated she’d support such a measure.
It’s hard to imagine any kind of public outcry like the ones we saw when Bloomberg announced similar prohibitions on large sugary drinks or smoking in parks, but restaurant and business owners may take issue with the idea. “We have to consider what the costs will be for both government and the business owners who make the city run,” said New York State Restaurant Association spokesman Andrew Moesel, who added that paper containers are often more expensive than foam.
(Photo: Theron Trowbridge/Flickr)
