Should you stop using styrofoam plates to reduse waste?

Absolutely! In most parts of the country, styrofoam can't be recycled, and as such it ends up in landfills. More importantly, buying any sort of disposable plates/cups/flatware is inherently wasteful. However, sometimes a disposable option is simply the most convenient, as is the case at large outdoor events (concerts, festivals, etc.) where washing reusable items is simply not an option. In these instances, those who need disposable supplies ought to purchase items which are compostable or recyclable (these are widely available at health food/naturals stores as well as online). Keep in mind, too, that styrofoam is made from oil, and as such it will not biodegrade. In fact, the styrofoam cup you threw out today will still be around in twenty thousand years. And Americans are now using about 25 billion styrofoam cups every year! Please do your part, and stop buying "disposable" styrofoam, and tell local businesses and restaurant operators that you would prefer paper, or recyclable aluminum containers.