Effects on the Environment - #6

Following is #6 in the series of articles by World Bird Sanctuary volunteer Jennifer Jones, discussing the effects on the environment posed by modern day “improvements” and conveniences.

Styrofoam-Polystyrene

The biggest environmental health concern associated with polystyrene is the danger associated with Styrene.  Styrene is used extensively in the manufacture of plastics, rubber and resins.  Styrene is classified as a possible human carcinogen by the EPA and the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

Toxic chemicals leach out of these products into the food that they contain (Especially when heated in the microwave)

These products are made with petroleum, a non-sustainable and heavily polluting resource.

Polystyrene foam is often dumped into the environment as litter.  The material is known for breaking up into pieces that choke animals and clog their digestive systems.  At least part of the solution here is simple—don’t litter!  When venturing into the out of doors for a hike, a picnic, a float trip, etc., follow the cardinal rule of good outdoorsmanship—leave it cleaner than when you got there.  Carry out your trash and dispose of it properly.  An even better solution—don’t be part of the problem.  Don’t use styrofoam plates, cups or containers.  If you must use “disposables”, use paper plates instead of foam.  The same is true for coffee cups.  If possible use reusable, washable food containers instead of foam.

At Lake of the Ozarks here in Missouri foam dock floatation logs were used under every dock for years.  Due to wave action and normal deterioration these logs would break down over a period of time and shed pieces and particles of foam into the lake.  On a quiet morning the shorelines and coves were covered with foam.  These foam logs have now been outlawed on Lake of the Ozarks by Ameren UE.  As of January 1, 2008 all floatation under docks must now be encapsulated so that foam particles are no longer shed into the lake.  It is now rare to find floating foam debris on this beautiful lake.  This is an inspiring example of environmental responsibility on the part of AmerenUE Corporation, which issues dock permits and sets dock standards at the lake.

AmerenUE also sponsors an Adopt-the-Shoreline program, which organizes a shoreline clean-up program each Spring.  Volunteers patrol the shoreline, picking up trash and debris, and AmerenUE provides administrative support and pays for disposal of the trash and debris removed.  This is a great example of individuals and an environmentally responsible corporation working together to do something positive for the environment.

These are just a few examples of what we have done to and for our environment and ourselves.

I know as I write this it makes me stop and think about what I can do better for not only our wildlife but for our lives as well.  It’s the only planet we have and we need to start treating it with more respect.  We need to clean up the mess we’ve made, and within that process not only will we see improvement within our wildlife and our habitats, but also improvement in our health as well.  Extinction is forever!  Our planet must be saved, for our sake as well as wildlife. It starts with one voice and one act of kindness.  As Robert Frost wrote, “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.”

Submitted by Jennifer Jones, World Bird Sanctuary Volunteer