In the media.

Illinois takes initial steps to phase out plastic foam foodware

Illinois PIRG | May 22, 2023

“Legislation to phase out the use of single-use plastic polystyrene foam foodware in state facilities passed both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly last week and is being sent to Gov. Pritzker for his signature.”

Illinois bill continues chemical recycling debate

Resource Recycling | March 20, 2023

CPR member representatives Jen Walling (IEC) and Andrea Densham (Alliance for the Great Lakes/Ocean Conservancy) are quoted

Measure would phase out use of single-use plastic polystyrene foam food ware

Kevin Bessler, The Center Square | Feb 28, 2023

“Abe Scarr, Illinois director for the Illinois Public Interest Research Group, said the single-use containers are not ideal for recycling. ‘Less than one percent of it ever gets recycled, so we’re using something for maybe 5 or 10 minutes and then putting it out into the world for hundreds and hundreds of years,’ Scarr told The Center Square.

Breaking Free from Foam: How Illinois and Chicago Can Reduce Plastic Waste

IL Environmental Council Blog | March 29, 2023

Contributors: Iyana Simba, IEC City Programs Director; Chelsey Grassfield, Friends of the Chicago River Policy Manager; Claudia Jackson, League of Women Voters-Chicago; Emily Kowalski, Outreach and Engagement Manager, Environment Illinois

Statement: Legislation to phase out plastic foam food ware advances

Illinois PIRG | March 21, 2023

“Legislation to phase out the use of single-use plastic polystyrene foam food ware starting in 2024 advanced out of the Illinois House Tuesday afternoon on an 67-43 vote.”

Bills introduced to ban single-use plastics at Illinois restaurants

Patrick M. Keck, State Journal-Register | Feb 23, 2023

“Brent Schwoerer, the owner of Engrained Brewing Company in Springfield, said during a press conference at the state Capitol, his restaurant already uses reusable straws and to-go food containers at its Lincolnshire Boulevard location.

‘Sustainability has been something important to me ever since I was a kid,’ he said. ‘It makes complete sense that we should eliminate single-use plastics.’”

Ban on Plastic Foam To-Go Containers and Utensils Passes Illinois House

Patty Wetli, WTTW | March 22, 2023

“On Tuesday, the Illinois House of Representatives passed legislation — by a 67-43 vote — that would phase out single-use polystyrene foam foodware beginning in January 2024. A companion bill has been introduced in the Illinois Senate and awaits action.”

LETTER: Banning polystyrene foam is critical

LTE, Journal Gazette & Times Courier | March 3, 2023

“Styrene is dangerous to the workers who produce it, the people who eat and drink from it, and the people who dispose of it. Scientists already know that chemicals added to plastics like phthalates can cause diabetes, cancer and reproductive problems.”