Plastic Pollution: Bans vs. Recycling Solutions
Document Type
Article
Journal/Book Title/Conference
Independent Institute Briefing
Publisher
Independent Institute
Publication Date
5-14-2018
First Page
1
Last Page
10
Abstract
Plastic foam (polystyrene) is one of the most widely used plastics around the world. Americans encounter polystyrene products on a daily basis as a low-cost, moldable, synthetic polymer used to create components for automobiles and household appliances like refrigerators and microwaves, as well as DVD cases, plastic utensils, disposable razors, and numerous other consumer products. Polystyrene also can be converted into expanded polystyrene (EPS)—commonly known as Styrofoam®—which, in addition to being inexpensive, is lightweight and a good insulator. As such, it is often used for food and beverage containers, product packaging, and shipping materials. When EPS is used to create food-service products, it is frequently referred to as food-service foam.
Recommended Citation
Colton, Katie; Harmer, Camille; Isom, Brian; and Shughart, William F. II, "Plastic Pollution: Bans vs. Recycling Solutions" (2018). Economics and Finance Faculty Publications. Paper 973.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/econ_facpubs/973