October 2, 2023

Fried Takes Aim at Polystyrene

Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried said Friday the state Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will start a rule-making process that takes aim at polystyrene products --- such as Styrofoam cups, plates and to-go boxes.

Fried, a Democratic candidate for governor in 2022, wants to phase out the use of polystyrene products at grocery stores, convenience stores and other businesses her department regulates.

The plan would be a multi-year effort, with the first step gathering data to determine how much polystyrene is being used in the state.

“Chemicals in polystyrene are not only linked to human and animal health concerns, but because these petroleum-based products take at least 500 years to decompose, their negative effects continue long after they’re thrown away,” Fried, who announced the plan in Sarasota, said in a prepared statement.

Fried said she would like to “reach zero” use of polystyrene within this decade.

Tags: News Service of Florida

Florida Business News

Florida News Releases

Florida Trend Video Pick

Florida becomes nation's 2nd most-valuable housing market
Florida becomes nation's 2nd most-valuable housing market

Florida gains from housing value growth; State's minimum wage bumps; Workers struggle with high costs; Incoming infrastructure investment funds; NOAA warns about heat.

Video Picks | Viewpoints@FloridaTrend

Ballot Box

Do you believe that home values in Florida have finally peaked?

  • Absolutely!
  • No way!
  • The jury's still out...
  • Other (Let us know in the comment section below)

See Results

Florida Trend Media Company
490 1st Ave S
St Petersburg, FL 33701
727.821.5800

© Copyright 2023 Trend Magazines Inc. All rights reserved.