Maryland this week became the first state to institute a law banning foam food containers at restaurants, schools, and other food service establishments. The law had been set to take effect July 1, but because of pandemic-related shutdowns, state officials wanted to allow businesses more time to use remaining container stock.
Although some restaurants are critical of the change due to increased costs for switching container types, many praise the effort, noting that replacing the polystyrene containers made from fossil fuels with containers composed of more sustainable materials will help reduce pollution and other harmful environmental impacts.
Other states including Washington, Maine, New York, and Vermont have passed similar bans, but the laws are not yet in effect.
