Welcome!

THANKS for stopping by Betty’s homepage!   In addition to this online resource, we are working behind the scenes to bring The Better Business Challenge and a Task Force on Recycling to Cville!

  • Who helps you find local green builders?
  • Who helps you find a new home for your old couch?
  • Who keeps you in the loop about clean water, clean air, clean energy in Cville?
  • Who is busy cooking up MORE ways to make green living easier for you?  BETTY!

NEW!!!!

 

Are you tired of seeing styrofoam takeout containers at your favorite local restaurants? We are, too! Do you want to encourage these restaurants to adopt more sustainable options? We do, too! Check out Betty’s letter to local businesses detailing the health and environmental dangers of styrofoam and asking that businesses seek out greener alternatives. Feel free to send copies of this letter to each of your fave eateries, and let them know that you support going green!

 

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Dear Local Business Owner,

 

Better World Betty is a local grassroots organization dedicated to empowering people and business with the tools they need to be sustainable.  As patrons of your restaurant and a local citizen who cares about the environment work of Better World Betty, we have noticed your use of polystyrene (PS/#6) and/or styrofoam (EPS/expanded polystyrene) food service wares.

We wanted to make you aware of our concern with using these products.  Several communities in the United States have banned polystyrene and styrofoam use for food service, due to their environmental and human health impacts.

 

  • Polystyrene and styrofoam do not biodegrade in the environment. They are leading components of litter throughout our area and the world, polluting streets, parks, waterways, beaches and the oceans.
  • In 2011, styrene was identified by the National Institutes of Health in its 12th Report on Carcinogens as a “reasonably anticipated” carcinogen in humans.  Styrofoam and polystyrene containers readily leach styrene into food and liquids.
  • Styrofoam and polystyrene plastics are not recyclable.  Discarded polystyrene and styrofoam cups, clamshells, utensils, etc. are landfilled or incinerated.
  • Styrofoam and polystyrene are made from styrene, a liquid petrochemical.  Petrochemicals rely on a non-renewable resource which contributes to climate change.

 

In light of these facts, we would be grateful if you would consider alternatives to polystyrene and styrofoam for your food service ware.

Where feasible, the best alternatives are traditional reusable products such as stainless steel flatware, ceramic and glass dishes and cups.  For take-out, better alternatives are biodegradable paper products that meet biodegradable products institute (BPI) standards for composting, or reusable to-go boxes.   Please check out our website www.betterworldbetty.org/ for a list of recommended alternatives.

Thank you for showing that you care about the health of your clients and community by adopting environmentally preferable alternatives to polystyrene and styrofoam.

 

Sincerely,

YOUR NAME HERE

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