Polystyrene

By: Christian Cunningham and Justin Roode

Date: June 11, 2010

Background Information

Polystyrene is a plastic polymer made from the monomer styrene.

It's used in many ways for various uses. Products such as disposable cutlery and CD or DVD cases are able to be made from it's solid state. Meanwhile, foam polystyrene (Styrofoam), is used for packaging, insulation and foam cups or plates.

Foam polystyrene is especially useful as it is a very light material while still being a great insulator.

Polystyrene: Why It Should Be Manufactured

• It is sanitary for one-time food and beverage use.

• It’s low cost to manufacture.

• Less harmful to manufacture than manufacturing paper.

• Biodegradability is not an issue in modern landfills.

• Its rigid form makes it extremely useful and allows products of it to vary.

Polystyrene: Why It Should be Banned

It cannot break down out in the environment, away from a landfill.

“Leaching” can occur when heated, allowing poisonous neurotoxins into our food.

Recycling isn't economically justifiable; and we should therefore search for a product we

can reuse better.

Foam polystyrene is made from non-renewable petroleum products.

Bibliography Unknown. Polystyrene. [Online] Available http://pslc.ws/macrog/styrene.htm , 2005. Unknown. Recycling of Polystyrene. [Online] Available http://www.verdant.net/nofoam.htm , Date: N/A. Various Users. Polystyrene. [Online] Available http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polystyrene , June 9, 1010.