Future of polystyrene in South Tahoe up in the air

By Kathryn Reed

Will Styrofoam be banned from use in South Lake Tahoe?

It’s what the Sustainability Commission wants and recommended to the City Council this month. But the council was mum on its opinion about getting rid of the product that many restaurants use for to-go containers.

The problem with polystyrene is it doesn’t breakdown.

Another recommendation by commissioners when they spoke May 18 was to have a time period where bags would not be used. The idea is to encourage reusable bags. Much of the last year the commission has talked about wanting to curb the use of plastic and paper bags in the city limits.

During council member comments, Mayor Kathay Lovell suggested the bag-free movement could be tied into August’s annual environmental summit.

The commission is also in need of another member because Kirstin Cattell resigned. Two student members may be added as well.