A serious question: Other than cost, is there any reason to continue using styrofoam (or styrene) rather than some other non-petroleum-based material? What led to its use in the first place?
A serious answer: Any non-plastics based material would not meet the USDA standards for storage. A biologically-derived material would provide a better environment for germ growth and therefore does not make for a option for food storage.
We wouldn’t have to use styrofoam if we once again had meat/fish markets with butchers actually standing behind the counter to weigh out what you want from the meat case, and wrapping it in butcher paper. Not only would we be saving the environment from styrofoam, we’d be giving jobs to people.It all started with markets wanting to save money, in my opinion.
If anyone cares, Joe’s point is real. Styrofoam is the trade name for a brand of insulation. The polystyrene foam cups and food packaging are at least similar (and possibly identical) in composition, but are not Styrofoam (TM). The reason this is important is that when companies allow their trademarked brands to become genericized, they lose some of the value of of those names and may lose their exclusive right to use them.
ksoskins over 14 years ago
Yep, we used to raise a herd of Styrofoam on the back 40 at my grandpa’s farm.
grapfhics over 14 years ago
no, but it should be.
cdward over 14 years ago
A serious question: Other than cost, is there any reason to continue using styrofoam (or styrene) rather than some other non-petroleum-based material? What led to its use in the first place?
chaosed2 over 14 years ago
A serious answer: Any non-plastics based material would not meet the USDA standards for storage. A biologically-derived material would provide a better environment for germ growth and therefore does not make for a option for food storage.
cdward over 14 years ago
^Thanks
IrisOne over 14 years ago
We wouldn’t have to use styrofoam if we once again had meat/fish markets with butchers actually standing behind the counter to weigh out what you want from the meat case, and wrapping it in butcher paper. Not only would we be saving the environment from styrofoam, we’d be giving jobs to people.It all started with markets wanting to save money, in my opinion.
ottod Premium Member over 14 years ago
If anyone cares, Joe’s point is real. Styrofoam is the trade name for a brand of insulation. The polystyrene foam cups and food packaging are at least similar (and possibly identical) in composition, but are not Styrofoam (TM). The reason this is important is that when companies allow their trademarked brands to become genericized, they lose some of the value of of those names and may lose their exclusive right to use them.