A New York state lawmaker says the state should prohibit the use of Styrofoam doggy bags at restaurants.
Assemblyman Tom Abinanti, a Democrat, says he has written legislation which would make it illegal for restaurants to use the Styrofoam containers when diners ask to take leftovers home.
Abinanti says the plastic chemicals used in the containers are bad for the environment because they don't decompose and are hard to recycle. He says his bill is intended to get restaurants to use other, more environmentally friendly packages for leftovers.
Many restaurants have already started using other alternatives to Styrofoam. Abinanti says New York state should be a leader in the effort to reduce the use of the product.
The bill will be considered when lawmakers return to Albany in January.
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