paper on video

Morgan, Margaret Ann

Jour 102, Swain

April 29, 2010

Styrofoam Goes Greek

When one walks onto the campus of the University of Mississippi, beautiful scenes of nature are found in every direction. However, if one reaches anywhere near Sorority or Fraternity Row, almost every hand will be holding a Styrofoam cup.

Many people think of Styrofoam to be a convenient way to “eat and run”, and it is that, indeed. On the other hand, Styrofoam has a terrible effect on not only the Earth but also an individual’s health. Styrofoam is not biodegradable and it is a carcinogen, filled with toxins that are released when heated. Many do not think of this when picking up a Styrofoam plate, but the facts are there.

The problem with Greek houses using Styrofoam is that the amount of Styrofoam wasted is enormous. Ole Miss is approximately thirty percent Greek. Multiply twenty-two houses by roughly 200 students, and the result will be the number of Styrofoam cups used per day on average- 4,400! That means that during a regular school week including lunch and dinner only, 44,000 Styrofoam cups are being thrown away. This is an astronomical amount of trash that will never go away, rather just continue to pile on top of the landfill (not to mention the Styrofoam plates and bowls!).

The majority of the Greek community is not aware of the damage Styrofoam has. The fact that Styrofoam is convenient and insulated is what continues to draw people. However, we as a society must stop being lazy and realize that convenience does not trump a healthy environment.

When asked how Greek houses can help to reduce the use of Styrofoam, one sorority girl said that her house is beginning to use biodegradable cups. Other houses are pulling out their dinner plates and cups and learning to cope with an increased use of the dishwasher. The real problem with switching from Styrofoam to plates or paper is the cost. Styrofoam can be bought in bulk for much cheaper than any other form of dinnerware. Expenses at the Greek houses are high enough, so some would just as well stick with Styrofoam than increase the members’ bills.

Whether one realizes it or not, Styrofoam use is on the rise and so is the damage the Earth is receiving. Styrofoam is user-friendly, but it is not eco-friendly. As classy as Greek life is supposed to be, why would the members not want to use crystal china?