08-28-2008, 05:37 AM
Banning expanded polystyrene(EPS) might be a good catch phrase but perhaps should be qualified in some way to limit a proposed ban to gratuitous uses of the products (i.e. disposable products - food wraps, packaging filler).
I have long been aware of EPS as a product making a one way trip to the dump. My own home is built using approximately 40,000 lbs. of recycled EPS where it's purpose, usefulness and value is multifaceted. EPS is one of the worst components of a landfill because it is light, bulky and doesn't break down. For these same reasons I find it attractive as an aggregate in concrete also because it is light, bulky and doesn't break down.
Take any material and put it in the wrong use or place and it is a negative. Take the same material and put it in the right use or place and it can be a positive. EPS is, by example, often used as an insulating material. You might find it in the wall of your refrigerator or freezer. It's excellent performance as an insulator reduces your electric bill. Refrigeration makes a huge contribution to health. Other good uses exist as well.
EPS is, by my research, already an environmental solution in that it is made from by product waste acids from the refining of petroleum. As long as the world is refining petroleum there will be accumulating vast quantities of these acids. Polystyrene was developed from these waste resources. So the "food chain" of waste stream products often is traced to the simple but all embracing use of oil in this world.
Here in Hawaii I would strongly agree that we have an opportunity to chart another course... and we should. I would support eliminating EPS from disposable products and recycling whatever EPS waste that results.
Punaweb moderator
I have long been aware of EPS as a product making a one way trip to the dump. My own home is built using approximately 40,000 lbs. of recycled EPS where it's purpose, usefulness and value is multifaceted. EPS is one of the worst components of a landfill because it is light, bulky and doesn't break down. For these same reasons I find it attractive as an aggregate in concrete also because it is light, bulky and doesn't break down.
Take any material and put it in the wrong use or place and it is a negative. Take the same material and put it in the right use or place and it can be a positive. EPS is, by example, often used as an insulating material. You might find it in the wall of your refrigerator or freezer. It's excellent performance as an insulator reduces your electric bill. Refrigeration makes a huge contribution to health. Other good uses exist as well.
EPS is, by my research, already an environmental solution in that it is made from by product waste acids from the refining of petroleum. As long as the world is refining petroleum there will be accumulating vast quantities of these acids. Polystyrene was developed from these waste resources. So the "food chain" of waste stream products often is traced to the simple but all embracing use of oil in this world.
Here in Hawaii I would strongly agree that we have an opportunity to chart another course... and we should. I would support eliminating EPS from disposable products and recycling whatever EPS waste that results.
Punaweb moderator
Assume the best and ask questions.
Punaweb moderator
Punaweb moderator