The Minneapolis city council unanimously approved an ordinance Friday banning the use of polystyrene food containers. The ban comes after a goal set by the city to become "zero waste," meaning more than 90% of waste is recycled or composted.
Minneapolis restaurants will have to make the switch from polystyrene containers to compostable containers, which are typically more expensive. Despite the added cost, many U area restaurants are in support of the ordinance.
In addition to being more environmentally friendly, replacement containers will aleviate concerns that harmful chemicals from polystyrene containers can contaminate food.
Polystyrene containers have already been banned in other cities like New York and Seattle. Minneapolis' ban is set to take effect on Earth Day of 2015.
