Calif. could be first state to ban foam containersSACRAMENTO - Restaurant owner Gary Honeycutt says a push in California's Legislature to ban the plastic foam containers he uses to serve up takeout meals could cost him thousands of dollars in an industry where profit margins are razor thin.
BJ's Kountry Kitchen, in the heart of California's farm country, uses about 26,000 of the 9-inch foam clamshells a year, mostly for takeout by the customers who come in for the restaurant's popular breakfast omelets.
http://articles.boston.com/2011-08-29/news/29941957_1_foam-containers-statewide-ban-polystyrene-containers

Cold food is better for ya anyway!

Quote from: Harry on September 02, 2011, 09:46:53 AM
Cold food is better for ya anyway!

Just like libs, always looking out for those too stupid to think for themselves.

QuoteMore than 50 California cities and counties have similar bans.

Sheesh. Don't they have more important things to do, like, I don't know, maybe deal with the drug violence spilling over their southern border?

I hate government regulation as much as the next guy, probably more, but those foam containers are really annoying. I'm an amateur surfer and the stuff is everywhere on the beaches. People are free to do as they please as long as they do not impinge on my ability to enjoy the commons. Polluting does exactly that.

I have full confidence in the inventive spirit of the American people to come up with a fantastic substitute.

Is there anything that makes this particularly "stupid" in terms of cost or consumer impact or is this just a general objection to government involvement?

Quote from: Steve Zissou on September 02, 2011, 09:50:44 AM
I hate government regulation as much as the next guy, probably more, but those foam containers are really annoying. I'm an amateur surfer and the stuff is everywhere on the beaches. People are free to do as they please as long as they do not impinge on my ability to enjoy the commons. Polluting does exactly that.

I have full confidence in the inventive spirit of the American people to come up with a fantastic substitute.

There's the key, the solutions will come from the free market and the entrepeneurial spirit, not from regulations. Problem is, with all the taxes and hurdles, most entrepeneurs are pulling a John Galt.

Quote from: CubaLibre on September 02, 2011, 09:57:04 AM
There's the key, the solutions will come from the free market and the entrepeneurial spirit, not from regulations. Problem is, with all the taxes and hurdles, most entrepeneurs are pulling a John Galt.

I disagree. If this regulation into effect they will flood in to fill the void. The free market is a powerful tool, but it is exactly this instance that illustrates the need for civil governance. Perhaps the libs got this one right.

Quote from: Steve Zissou on September 02, 2011, 09:59:23 AM
I disagree. If this regulation into effect they will flood in to fill the void. The free market is a powerful tool, but it is exactly this instance that illustrates the need for civil governance. Perhaps the libs got this one right.

Great Caesar's ghost!  An open mind!

Quote from: Steve Zissou on September 02, 2011, 09:50:44 AM
I hate government regulation as much as the next guy, probably more, but those foam containers are really annoying. I'm an amateur surfer and the stuff is everywhere on the beaches. People are free to do as they please as long as they do not impinge on my ability to enjoy the commons. Polluting does exactly that.

I have full confidence in the inventive spirit of the American people to come up with a fantastic substitute.

Do you believe in peoples behavior magically changing when the foam is replaced with cardboard?

Quote from: Harry on September 02, 2011, 10:07:37 AM

Do you believe in peoples behavior magically changing when the foam is replaced with cardboard?

I believe there will be less foam trash around and that somebody will be making money selling its replacement.

Quote from: Steve Zissou on September 02, 2011, 10:10:21 AM
I believe there will be less foam trash around and that somebody will be making money selling its replacement.

I take it you would rather have replacement garbage than that which you enjoy presently?

Quote from: Harry on September 02, 2011, 10:11:15 AM

I take it you would rather have replacement garbage than that which you enjoy presently?

Paper gets soggy and sinks to the bottom.

Quote from: Steve Zissou on September 02, 2011, 10:14:09 AM
Paper gets soggy and sinks to the bottom.

So, the pollution isn't the problem... your personal convenience is. I hate to tell you this, but the replacement cardboard containers will more than likely be coated with wax, or a similar substance to keep them from leaking. They will most likely float just as well as what they replace. You'll still have cold food though.

Quote from: Harry on September 02, 2011, 10:18:54 AM

So, the pollution isn't the problem... your personal convenience is. I hate to tell you this, but the replacement cardboard containers will more than likely be coated with wax, or a similar substance to keep them from leaking. They will most likely float just as well as what they replace. You'll still have cold food though.

They are only coated with wax on the inside. I'm sure a replacement can be developed.

Personal convenience is the heart of our freedom to enjoy the commons. You aren't a fan of personal liberty? Businesses are at liberty to do as they please as long as they do not impinge upon my liberty to enjoy the commons.