More than 350 scientists, medical professionals, local and state elected officials, business owners, and other community leaders sent letters to members of the U.S. Congress calling on them to pass the Farewell to Foam Act.
Plastic foam, formally known as expanded polystyrene, is frequently used for takeout food containers and packaging materials. It’s made from fossil fuels and hazardous chemicals, like styrene, which is toxic to the human nervous system. Plastic foam is also one of the most common types of marine plastic pollution and was one of the first types of plastic discovered in the ocean.
Scientists, medical professionals, local and state elected officials, business owners, and other community leaders joined together to ask Congress to act now to address the problem of plastic foam, which compromises our health and our oceans. Read the letters here and here.
THE FAREWELL TO FOAM ACT
The Farewell to Foam Act (S.897, H.R.1918), sponsored by Sen. Chris Van Hollen (MD) and Rep. Lloyd Doggett (TX), would phase out the sale and distribution of plastic foam foodware, packing peanuts, and single-use foam coolers across the country. Phasing out the production and use of plastic foam is the most effective way to tackle plastic foam pollution.
Government policies to reduce plastic foam products are gaining momentum at the state and local levels around the United States and in countries around the world. To date, 12 states have passed laws to reduce plastic foam, and more than 250 cities and counties have passed policies to phase out plastic foam. And Americans agree: Plastic foam must go! In February 2025, Oceana released the results of a poll revealing that 80% of U.S. voters support state and local policies that reduce single-use plastic foam.
HERE’S WHAT SIGNERS HAD TO SAY
Plastic foam pollution remains a serious and persistent threat to our oceans. When I first documented the widespread presence of Styrofoam feedstock, which were 0.5- 2 mm spherules, off the coast of southern New England more than 50 years ago, I never imagined the dramatic increase in the plastic we see in the ocean today. Polystyrene plastic foam is one of the most abundant types of plastics in marine environments. The results are clear: policies like those in the Farewell to Foam Act can significantly reduce single-use plastic foam. I urge every member of Congress to support and pass this critical legislation.
Dr. Edward Carpenter, one of the first scientists to document marine plastic foam pollution
The Farewell to Foam Act represents a necessary step forward. By enacting this legislation, Congress can establish a clear national standard, one that protects our communities, strengthens environmental protections, and honors the leadership of cities like Coral Gables who have long advocated for these changes.
Vince Lago, Mayor for the City of Coral Gables, Florida
I became a doctor because I wanted to ensure that all people had the opportunity for a healthy and dignified life. Unfortunately, plastic pollution undermines this goal. For example, expanded polystyrene foam is made with a cancer-causing chemical. That is why I am proud to support the Farewell to Foam Act. This bill phases out expanded polystyrene from single-use food packaging, packing peanuts, and coolers, allowing safer products on the market. Twelve states have already enacted similar laws reducing plastic foam, and now it’s time to safeguard the health of all Americans from this hazardous pollutant.
Dr. Elizabeth Ryznar, a psychiatrist in Maryland and advisory board member for the Physician and Scientist Network Addressing Plastics and Health (PSNAP)
LEARN MORE ABOUT PLASTIC FOAM POLLUTION
Learn more about plastic foam pollution and why Oceana is calling on local, state, and federal government leaders to phase out its production and use. Visit our campaign page, read Oceana’s Plastic Foam Needs ‘To-Go’ report, or explore the plastic foam factsheet.
Tell your members of Congress to protect our oceans and health from harmful plastic foam pollution by supporting the Farewell to Foam Act today.
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Momentum Builds to Phase Out Plastic Foam
Plastic foam, formally known as expanded polystyrene, is frequently used for takeout food containers and packaging materials. It’s made from fossil fuels and hazardous chemicals, like styrene, which is toxic to the human nervous system. Plastic foam is also one of the most common types of marine plastic pollution and was one of the first types of plastic discovered in the ocean.
Scientists, medical professionals, local and state elected officials, business owners, and other community leaders joined together to ask Congress to act now to address the problem of plastic foam, which compromises our health and our oceans. Read the letters here and here.
THE FAREWELL TO FOAM ACT
The Farewell to Foam Act (S.897, H.R.1918), sponsored by Sen. Chris Van Hollen (MD) and Rep. Lloyd Doggett (TX), would phase out the sale and distribution of plastic foam foodware, packing peanuts, and single-use foam coolers across the country. Phasing out the production and use of plastic foam is the most effective way to tackle plastic foam pollution.
Government policies to reduce plastic foam products are gaining momentum at the state and local levels around the United States and in countries around the world. To date, 12 states have passed laws to reduce plastic foam, and more than 250 cities and counties have passed policies to phase out plastic foam. And Americans agree: Plastic foam must go! In February 2025, Oceana released the results of a poll revealing that 80% of U.S. voters support state and local policies that reduce single-use plastic foam.
HERE’S WHAT SIGNERS HAD TO SAY
Plastic foam pollution remains a serious and persistent threat to our oceans. When I first documented the widespread presence of Styrofoam feedstock, which were 0.5- 2 mm spherules, off the coast of southern New England more than 50 years ago, I never imagined the dramatic increase in the plastic we see in the ocean today. Polystyrene plastic foam is one of the most abundant types of plastics in marine environments. The results are clear: policies like those in the Farewell to Foam Act can significantly reduce single-use plastic foam. I urge every member of Congress to support and pass this critical legislation.
Dr. Edward Carpenter, one of the first scientists to document marine plastic foam pollution
The Farewell to Foam Act represents a necessary step forward. By enacting this legislation, Congress can establish a clear national standard, one that protects our communities, strengthens environmental protections, and honors the leadership of cities like Coral Gables who have long advocated for these changes.
Vince Lago, Mayor for the City of Coral Gables, Florida
I became a doctor because I wanted to ensure that all people had the opportunity for a healthy and dignified life. Unfortunately, plastic pollution undermines this goal. For example, expanded polystyrene foam is made with a cancer-causing chemical. That is why I am proud to support the Farewell to Foam Act. This bill phases out expanded polystyrene from single-use food packaging, packing peanuts, and coolers, allowing safer products on the market. Twelve states have already enacted similar laws reducing plastic foam, and now it’s time to safeguard the health of all Americans from this hazardous pollutant.
Dr. Elizabeth Ryznar, a psychiatrist in Maryland and advisory board member for the Physician and Scientist Network Addressing Plastics and Health (PSNAP)
LEARN MORE ABOUT PLASTIC FOAM POLLUTION
Learn more about plastic foam pollution and why Oceana is calling on local, state, and federal government leaders to phase out its production and use. Visit our campaign page, read Oceana’s Plastic Foam Needs ‘To-Go’ report, or explore the plastic foam factsheet.
Tell your members of Congress to protect our oceans and health from harmful plastic foam pollution by supporting the Farewell to Foam Act today.
