HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolutions - 1991.12.12 - 18455Miscellaneous Resolution Number #91299 Date: December 12, 1991
By: Commissioner Serra - 18th District
In Re: STYROFOAM
To: The Oakland County Board of Commissioners
Mr. Chahman, Ladies and Gentlemen:
WHEREAS the Oakland County Board of Commissioners voted, on November 21,
1991 to rescind its ban on the purchase of polystyrene or "styrofoam" by County
Departments and
WHEREAS Consumers Union and other reputable environmental and consumer
organizations continue to urge the discontinuation of polystyrene for food packaging and
products and
WHEREAS polystyrene can now be recycled but is not being successfully recycled
in an acceptable amount and
WHEREAS the manufacturing of polystyrene continues to involve foaming agents
(especially HCFC) which cause damage to the ozone layer even though this damage is less
significant than the CFC formerly used and
WHEREAS recycling polystyrene converts styrofoam food containers into other
products (such as insulation for clothing) but does not reduce the total amount of
polystyrene being manufactured and
WHEREAS it is the manufacture of polystyrene, and not the disposal of polystyrene,
which causes environmental degradation. Recycling affects the disposal of the styrofoam but
does not cut down on the use of foaming agents in the manufacturing process and
WHEREAS the survival of our planet may depend on eliminating the use of ozone
depleting elements in the manufacturing of polystyrene
WHEREAS the ozone layer has already been significantly depleted and additional
damage (even if it is only "incremental") poses a significant health risk and
WHEREAS the County will not save money by purchasing polystyrene instead of
paper products and
WHEREAS accepted medical authorities have recognized the phenomenon of
"styrene migration" and have reported that polystyrene can migrate into food and be
ingested and that ingested polystyrene causes significant health problems and
WHEREAS prevention of environmental degradation is less costly than permitting
a problem to occur and hoping to be able to fix it (just as prevention of health problems is
cheaper and smarter than expensive medical care after illness has developed)
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Oakland County Board of
Commissioners reinstates a ban on purchasing polystyrene and directs all county agencies,
departments, bureaus and personnel to refrain from buying polystyrene or "styrofoam"
products unless no alternative is available.
Mr. Chairperson, I move the foregoing resolution be adopted.
Sponsor: Rudy Serra, Commissioner Dist. 18
Co-sponsors:
#91299
December 12, 1991
The Vice Chairperson referred the resolution to the Planning and
Building Committee and the Finance Committee. There were no objections.