The City of Newton is currently considering eliminating the use of polystyrene foam food containers in Newton food establishments. Commonly known as styrofoam, polystyrene foam containers are known to be hazardous to human health and detrimental to wildlife. The following article appeared in the Chicago Tribune on February 7, 2018.  You can access the original HERE.

Dunkin’ Donuts to Stop Using Foam Cups by 2020

By Joseph Pisani, Associated Press

Foam cups at Dunkin’ Donuts will soon be history, removing what the company estimates will be a billion of them each year from the waste stream.

Dunkin’ said Wednesday that the polystyrene foam cups will be completely phased out from its stores globally by 2020. The chain said it will replace foam cups with double-walled paper cups at its U.S. locations, beginning this spring with all New York and California restaurants.
Most of Dunkin’s international restaurants already use paper cups, and the company said it will work with franchisees to phase out foam cups in the international markets where they’re still used.

The new paper cups will retain heat as well as the foam cups they’re replacing, the company said.
Because foam packaging decomposes slowly, ends up in oceans and can harm marine life and other animals that ingest it, there has been push to ban its use.

Dunkin’ Brands Group, based in Canton, Mass., joins other chain restaurants trying to diminish its footprint.

Oak Brook-based McDonald’s announced last month that it will stop using plastic foam beverage cups by the end of this year.

The burger giant also said that it would use only recycled or other environmentally friendly materials Happy Meal boxes and all other packaging by 2025.