The ordinance calls for a total elimination of polystyrene, or styrofoam, foodware. The notorious packaging is not biodegradable.
The ordinance is supported by Ald. George Cardenas (12th), Ald. Matt Martin (47th), Ald. Brian Hopkins (2nd), Maria Hadden (49th) and Michele Smith (43rd).
This ordinance would be the Midwest’s strongest, said Jen Walling, executive director of the Illinois Environmental Council.
“It’s time for Chicago to step up and lead the Great Lakes region,” Walling said.
How can Chicago help curb Lake Michigan microplastic pollution?
Every year, 11.6 million pounds of plastic trash makes its way into Lake Michigan, Chicago’s largest source of drinking water. Even as the city tries