St. Vincent and the Grenadines bans non-environmentally friendly material : Styrofoams

As a major environmental initiative effective 1st May 2017, the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has places a ban on the importation of Polystyrene (Styrofoam) products.

The environmental impacts of Styrofoam - which is non biodegradable, difficult to recycle and ubiquitous remains a challenge. Additionally, the Report on Carcinogens, Fourteenth Edition of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, states that Styrene is “reasonably anticipated to be human carcinogen” with “increased mortality from or incidence of cancer of lymphohematopoietic system” demonstrated in some clinical studies.

The immediate ban was placed on Styrofoam containers that are used to sell and package food and beverage. The objectives of the ban are to :

• Prohibit the importation, manufacture and sale of expanded polystyrene food service products in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
• Prohibit the use or provision of expanded polystyrene food service products in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
• Promote and encourage the use of biodegradable, recyclable and other environmentally friendly containers or packaging for food in lieu of expanded polystyrene products.