Dense Fog ADVISORY in effect for:
Northern Litchfield, CT
Legislative committee votes to ban Styrofoam boxes, plastic bags
Posted: Updated:A Legislative committee voted Monday to ban Styrofoam boxes and plastic bags in Connecticut.
The committee voted in favor of the ban due to environmental concerns. Environmentalists have warned for years that Styrofoam and plastic are bad for landfills, waterways and animals.
Some business owners worry that a ban on Styrofoam and plastic will be bad for business.
Juan Martinez, of Tacos El Azteca, converted a school bus into a taco truck. He relies on plastic bags and Styrofoam boxes to serve tacos to his customers. Martinez says those products help keep costs down.
Customers like Adam Shapiro, of Stamford, say they are in favor of the ban.
"I know it'll raise costs for them, so, I think it should be a mutual decision, if possible, through them and the state of course," says Shapiro.
The state Restaurant Association says members are already voluntarily phasing out plastics. The foam industry says the focus should be on recycling. Foam can be recycled, but no communities in western Connecticut offer that option.
Martinez says if the change comes he will adapt and make sure not to pass on the extra cost to his customers.
The ban could include a hardship exception for small businesses like Tacos El Azteca. Lawmakers are also considering a ban on plastic straws, unless customers ask for them.
Connecticut Top StoriesTop StoriesMore>>
Chance for snow Wednesday threatens morning commute
Chance for snow Wednesday threatens morning commute
A system packing a wintry mix and then heavy snow could make for a treacherous morning commute Wednesday, News 12 meteorologists say.A system packing a wintry mix and then heavy snow could make for a treacherous morning commute Wednesday, News 12 meteorologists say.World Anti-Doping Agency imposes 4-year ban on Russia
World Anti-Doping Agency imposes 4-year ban on Russia
The Russian flag and national anthem were banned from next year's Tokyo Olympics and other major sports events for four years on Monday.The Russian flag and national anthem were banned from next year's Tokyo Olympics and other major sports events for four years on Monday.18-year-old killed in Bridgeport shooting
18-year-old killed in Bridgeport shooting
An 18-year-old boy was fatally shot in Bridgeport, police say.An 18-year-old boy was fatally shot in Bridgeport, police say.AED donated by Connecticut not-for-profit saves man's life
AED donated by Connecticut not-for-profit saves man's life
A man is crediting an automated external defibrillator donated by a Connecticut not-for-profit for saving his life when he was going into cardiac arrest.A man is crediting an automated external defibrillator donated by a Connecticut not-for-profit for saving his life when he was going into cardiac arrest.Stamford middle school closed due to water leak
Stamford middle school closed due to water leak
Dolan Middle School in Stamford will be closed today because of flooding.Dolan Middle School in Stamford will be closed today because of flooding.
Connecticut SlideshowsGalleriesMore>>
Your Connecticut 2019 Holiday Photos
Your Connecticut 2019 Holiday Photos
From sparking holiday lights to fun Santa photos, News 12 wants to see your holiday photos!From sparking holiday lights to fun Santa photos, News 12 wants to see your holiday photos!2019 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting
2019 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting
The 87th annual Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was held Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2019 in New York.The 87th annual Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was held Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2019 in New York.Your December 2019 Storm Photos
Your December 2019 Storm Photos
Do you have photos of the winter storm from the December 2019 storm? We want to see!Do you have photos of the winter storm from the December 2019 storm? We want to see!Mohegan Sun performer lineup
Mohegan Sun performer lineup
The Mohegan Sun Arena performer lineup includes live music, entertainment, top headlining concerts and premier sporting events in Connecticut.The Mohegan Sun Arena performer lineup includes live music, entertainment, top headlining concerts and premier sporting events in Connecticut.Your 2019 Thanksgiving Table Photos
Your 2019 Thanksgiving Table Photos
Does your family prepare a delicious Thanksgiving spread? News 12 wants to see photos of your beautiful table!
Does your family prepare a delicious Thanksgiving spread? News 12 wants to see photos of your beautiful table!
Does your family prepare a delicious Thanksgiving spread? News 12 wants to see photos of your beautiful table!Does your family prepare a delicious Thanksgiving spread? News 12 wants to see photos of your beautiful table!