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Efforts to ban foam containers pick up steam

Maine this week became the first state to ban polystyrene for single-use food and drink containers.

Maine became the first state to ban polystyrene for single-use food and drink containers.
Maine became the first state to ban polystyrene for single-use food and drink containers.
wingedwolf/iStock/Getty Images Plus

The movement against polystyrene — plastic foam that includes the brand Styrofoam — is growing. Maine this week became the first state to ban the material for single-use food and drink containers. Other states are considering similar measures. Several cities, from New York to Berkeley, California, have bans in place. But how much of a dent in our growing plastic waste problem can these bans make?

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