New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg announces plan to ban foam containers, polystyrene

NEW YORK - Having already taken on sugary drinks, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg set his sights on foam food containers during his final State of the City address Thursday.

Along with a slate of environmental initiatives, the mayor unveiled plans to ban the plastic containers from stores and restaurants.

Polystyrene foam has long been a takeout staple because of its light weight and heat-keeping properties, but it takes a long time to break down in landfills. Several cities around the country have banned such containers, and Bloomberg said New York should follow suit.

"Something we know is environmentally destructive, that is costing taxpayers money, and that is easily replaceable is, I think, something we can do without," he said.

While polystyrene is used in Styrofoam, the brand isn't used in food packaging, according to its manufacturer, the Dow Chemical Co.