Calabasas

By Joann Groff  joann@theacorn.com

Calabasas business owners must show they intend to comply with the city's newly adopted ban on polystyrene food packaging.

The city sent 65 letters to businesses and schools. Meeting a deadline earlier this month, 18 responded and signed certification letters stating they are aware of the ordinance and will comply when it goes into effect March 31, 2008.

"We have received letters from a lot of businesses," said Alex Farassati, Calabasas' environmental services manager. "They just have to sign it and acknowledge it. Some businesses called and needed more clarification, but I think it was a good response."

The City Council adopted an ordinance Feb. 21 banning retail food establishments, nonprofit food providers and city facilities from using food-packaging materials made of expanded polystyrene, often referred to as Styrofoam, a brand name.

The ordinance requires food service establishments in Calabasas to start using environmentally acceptable packaging and report ongoing compliance with the ordinance on the first business day of each calendar year.

Although the certification letters are more of a "courtesy notification," Farassati said, by next April, all establishments will be required to demonstrate they have converted from polystyrene products to those made of acceptable materials.

"It will cut down on site visits and follow-ups," Farassati said. "If they sign it, it means they are going to comply. If not, they are either ignoring it or not complying.

"Other cities have had problems enforcing--like Malibu's ban is on a complaint basis and that didn't work that well. Hopefully ours is going to be better because we are really communicating with them."

Although businesses have nearly a year to comply, the city is imposing its institutional ban much sooner.

By July, all city facilities and city-sponsored events will be clear of polystyrene.

"We are already buying new products for city hall," Farassati said. "It's basically just the cups and plates, but we will be replacing them with biodegradable products made out of corn or sugar cane. That way if they fall into the creek, they will biodegrade."

Farassati said the city is sending all establishments educational materials about suppliers of alternative products.