Conscious Choice: Styrofoam Recycling

July 2006 | Ask the Green Commish

Styrofoam Recycling

By Sadhu A. Johnston

Dear Green Commish, I am wondering if there are any recycling centers in Chicago that recycle Styrofoam? I would appreciate any help or guidance in this matter, if possible. — Tracy Pitts

Dear Tracy: Unfortunately, there are no waste haulers or recyclers in Chicago that accept polystyrene foam (Styrofoam). It is both difficult and economically unattractive to recycle.

However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t alternatives to land filling. Reusing the polystyrene in future packaging projects is the most common way to recycle the materials. There are three UPS stores in Chicago that will accept clean polystyrene peanuts for reuse in future packaging. You may want to look into other package shipping stores in your neighborhood. They may offer similar services. For more information on polystyrene recycling, visit loosefill packaging.com/search/default.asp.

Noise Pollution

Dear Green Commish, I just read your piece, “Breathing Easier,” in the May 2006 Conscious Choice magazine. I am happy to know that the city has someone in charge of the Department of Environment that has a sense of humor along with a practical plan for the quality of life in the city.

Your comment about the use of hybrid buses and the policy of idling city vehicles caught my attention because of the reduction in noise from running engines.

Can you tell me what efforts are being made by the city to reduce our exposure to annoying noises? — Dick Reilein

Dear Dick: The noise ordinance sets standards for noise from bars and restaurants, street musicians and other stationary and nonstationary sources. The city takes enforcement of that ordinance very seriously. But we also recognize some of the contradictions in dealing with noise, as you indicated in your letter. For example, public transportation is often noisy, but it reduces air pollution and provides low-cost, efficient transportation. Public events, such as parades and festivals, often create noise, but add to the vibrancy and livability of our city.

We will continue to work on this difficult issue and to balance the inherent noise in an urban environment with the needs of residents and businesses. And, of course, all of us can help reduce noise pollution by being aware of how our actions affect others and taking the appropriate steps to reduce the noise we create.

Sadhu A. Johnston, is commissioner of Chicago’s Department of Environment, which administers programs to protect and restore Chicago’s natural resources; reduce waste; clean up brownfields; promote energy efficiency and reliability; educate the public about environmental issues; and enforce the city’s environmental protection laws.

Got a question for the Environmental Commissioner? Send it to the editor. Please make sure to put in the subject line: Ask the Green Commish. Or send it through the regular post to Ask the Green Commish, Conscious Choice, 920 N. Franklin, Suite 202, Chicago, IL, 60610. Letters may be edited for clarity and brevity.

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