What Is Styrofoam Made Of?: Styrofoam is just about everywhere. You see it in packing peanuts, food packaging, new pairs of shoes, and more.
But what is Styrofoam made of? What happens to Styrofoam when you dispose of it? Is Styrofoam a truly sustainable choice?
You might not have thought to ask these questions before. After all, Styrofoam is one of those products that’s very common and has been around for a while.
However, there is more to this crumbly white substance than meets the eye.
Keep reading, and we’ll tell you the truth about Styrofoams, and why you should consider a packing alternative.
What Is Styrofoam Made Of?
Styrofoam is made of polystyrene foam. Polystyrene is a synthetically created plastic product that is light, firm, and great for packing.
Sounds great, right? Well, it’s a little more complicated than that. Polystyrene has a dark history.
One of the components used to make polystyrene, the styrene monomer, is carcinogenic. Factory workers who are exposed to this monomer are more likely to get some kind of cancer.
The gases used to make polystyrene have a dark history as well. The product was originally made out of gases that were harmful to the ozone layer.
While these gases were eventually replaced with less harmful ones, the damage done to the ozone layer by Styrofoam manufacturing still remains.
Plus, there is still not a solution to the problem of the carcinogenic ingredient that still harms workers to this day.
Styrofoam is manufactured to be the perfect lightness and firmness for protecting shipped goods. However, some alternatives have less harmful effects on both people and the environment.
Despite its convenience, Styrofoam is not the most sustainable option for packing material.
Can Styrofoam Be Recycled?
Speaking of environmental harm, let’s answer another common question: is Styrofoam recyclable? Well, it’s complicated.
Styrofoams can be recycled, in theory. In reality, a lot of Styrofoam ends up in landfills, even if you try to put it out with the recycling.
This is because, in most cases, special recycling equipment is required to process Styrofoams products. A standard recycling plant often cannot handle them.
Styrofoam ending up in landfills is pretty bad for the environment, too. That is because Styrofoams can take up to five hundred years to decompose on its own.
As a result of this, there is already more disposed Styrofoam floating around than we know what to do with.
There is so much trash buildup in the world already, and many people don’t know that even the Styrofoams they try to recycle contributes to that problem.
It isn’t your fault if you’ve been unknowingly putting Styrofoam into landfills. However, you can help fix this problem by choosing a different product for your packaging needs.
Whether you run a business or you’re just an individual, your decision to use environmentally sustainable products makes a difference.
Can You Microwave Styrofoam?
Styrofoam is also commonly used in food storage containers. When you get takeout from your favorite restaurant, there is a good chance that it will come in a Styrofoam container.
When you need to heat up your leftovers, however, make sure you transfer them to another container or plate. Styrofoam is not microwave-safe.
When you put Styrofoam in the microwave, you risk it catching on fire or melting harmful substances into your food.
The reason many restaurants use Styrofoams to package takeout food is that it’s very insulating. It keeps food warm while you transport it from place to place.
However, that won’t do you much good when you’re taking home food from a restaurant and you want to eat it for lunch the next day.
There are plenty of other types of plastic containers that can be used to both transport and heat up your food.
With these alternatives on the market, there is no real reason to keep using Styrofoams. If you run a restaurant, consider switching away from foam storage containers.
Your customers will appreciate any added layer of convenience that you offer them. Not having to get one of their own dishes dirty in order to heat up their leftovers? That is definitely convenient.
Alternatives to Styrofoam
Luckily, there are now many products on the market that can replace Styrofoams. While it is useful for many things, it just isn’t the best option anymore.
For packaging, there are several alternatives to Styrofoam packing peanuts. Consider, for instance, packing peanuts vs bubble wrap.
Sure, packing peanuts do a great job keeping items safe while they are in transit. However, when you open a box full of these Styrofoam balls, it’s a mess.
They get all over your clothes, crumble when touched, and are difficult to even throw away neatly.
Bubble wrap, on the other hand, stays in one piece. All you have to do is swiftly remove it from the box and throw it away. Of course, you can always hold onto it at first for some bubble-popping fun.
Another alternative to Styrofoamss packing peanuts is packing paper. Packing paper can be used to keep lots of items safe as they travel through the mail.
Packing paper is easy to reuse. Save it for the next time you move!
If you don’t have any use for packing paper, don’t worry. Unlike Styrofoams, it can be easily recycled and won’t clog up a landfill for centuries.
Pack Sustainably Today
You now know the answer to the question, “what is Styrofoam made of” Now that you have all the information, you can make a smart choice next time you need to pack something.
Consider the environment, factory workers, and your own convenience. Choose a Styrofoam alternative today!
For more lifestyle tips, feel free to check out our other blog posts!
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