styrofoam

In Portland, Maine [United States], Riverton Elementary School has implemented a new recycling program that has saved the school around $50,000, as well as eliminating about 50% of the school's waste. In an article published today on Bangor Daily News, contributor Seth Koenig reports that a recent concern regarding the longevity of styrofoam has also led to another important change in the District. According to the article:

By Ellalyn Da Vera, The Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines — Environmental groups on Wednesday expressed support for the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority’s (MMDA) plea for a metro-wide ban on plastic bags and Styrofoam.

EcoWaste Coalition’s Task Force Plastics Troy Lacsamana said it is time the rest of Metro Manila’s local governments, particularly Caloocan, Malabon, Manila, Marikina, Navotas, Parañaque, Pateros, Quezon City, San Juan and Valenzuela joined other municipalities in addressing plastic pollution.

By the Westborough Girl Scouts

In Massachusetts, the Westborough Patch reports that with the support of the Westborough Board of Health and the sponsorship of Central One Federal Credit Union, Westborough Cadette Girl Scouts, Bhargavi Ram and Kaleigh Wright, are bringing Styrofoam (Polystyrene #6) recycling to Westborough. They have been working on this project since the spring and have set a date of March 24 to hold their Reduce, Reuse, ReFoamIt! event.

By Stiv Wilson. As a member of the 5 Gyres team back from an expedition to the Atlantic I'm no stranger to the horrendous fact that plastic is ending up in the marine food chain.