Say Farewell to Foam: Support Illinois’ Statewide Polystyrene Ban

Polystyrene foam pollution is harming our rivers, wildlife, and communities. It’s time for Illinois to take action. This spring legislative session, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) introduced SB 1531, a statewide polystyrene ban, and we need your help to get it passed. As part of the Coalition for Plastic Reduction, Friends of the Chicago River supports this bill alongside over 35 member organizations in the coalition.

Contact your State Senator

Polystyrene is a form of plastic that isn’t compostable or biodegradable, and is almost impossible to recycle so we cannot recycle our way out of this problem. Once produced, it lingers in our environment indefinitely. Studies show that upwards of 85% of river trash is plastic, much of it from polystyrene food packaging. This pollution contaminates drinking water, harms wildlife, and threatens entire ecosystems.

SB 1531 will phase out single-use polystyrene foam foodware in Illinois, reducing plastic pollution in our waterways and communities. Illinois has already banned foam foodware in state facilities, and now it’s time for a full statewide ban. Your voice matters. Let’s make Illinois' rivers cleaner and healthier for future generations. Contact your State Senator and ask them to say farewell to foam by cosponsoring SB 1531.