CAMBRIDGE, Md. - Now just one step away from becoming law, Maryland may be one of the first few states to ban the use of styrofoam products through a new bill. It's a move that environmentalists say will save marine life and changes are already popping up on Delmarva. As for customers - get ready to pay more at the register.
Along the aisles at places like Simmons Center Market, styrofoam will soon be off shelves. Owner Ricky Travers says it's change he's ready to embrace. Along with the compostable trays, Travers is making use of recyclable bags and plastic containers all in place of styrofoam.
"We've been proactive," Travers said. "This will help the transition to be much easier for our customers and for anyone else in finding the alternatives."
Travers says the products come at a cost - three times the cost of styrofoam, but he argues, it's a small price to pay to save what he says is priceless: the environment.
"Cheaper's not always better," Travers said.
But customers like Virginia Warner say it won't be easy to save the environment and their wallets.
"I'm glad they're doing that for the environment purpose, but money-wise, it's going to be a drain," Warner said. "It's just frustrating because government's already asking for taxes."
Maryland's House and Senate approved the sytrofoam ban in the 2019 Maryland General Assembly. Gov. Larry Hogan has until May 28 to decide whether to approve or veto the bill.