South Carolina hospital switches to eco-friendly food containers

HARDEEVILLE, S.C. — Visitors to Coastal Carolina Hospital’s cafeteria now have an eco-friendly food container option when they purchase meals.

To reduce the use of Styrofoam plates and bowls, the hospital has started using plates and bowls made of plant fibers, according to a news release. Designed by Be Green Packaging, the products are touted as being more environmentally friendly once disposed.

“As part of our recycling and waste reduction efforts, we continuously look for ways to embrace environmentally friendly practices and products,” said Ryan Lee, associate administrator of Coastal Carolina Hospital.

Lee said the hospital cafeteria is phasing out the use of the Styrofoam plates and bowls completely.

“In their place, we are now using the Be Green products, which are biodegradable” he said.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Styrofoam products can last as long as 500 years in a landfill before decomposing.