Santa Monica, my relatively new city of residence, is working on an ordinance to ban the use of non-recyclable packaging for takeout food and beverages.

The new ordinace — expected to pass by the end of summer, would make Santa Monica California’s first community to ban the use of clear plastic containers made of petroleum-based polystyrene. Plus, Santa Monica would join a few other cities that’ve already banned styrofoam — most recently, Oakland.

Unfortunately, California Restaurant Association’s fighting the ban — It sez the main prob’s littering — which this ordinance wouldn’t address.

I’m of the opinion that if losers are gonna litter, they may’s well litter only stuff that eco-fanatics can pick up and put in the recycling bin.

In any case, restaurants and other businesses will be given a year from when the ordinance finally gets officially adopted to make the switch. And if businesses find it tough, they can still ask for a financial hardship waiver.

You can send an email to the Cali Restaurant Association via this web form — If you got the time, you may’s well tell them you heart eating out, but don’t heart nonrecyclable crap encasing your food –

Update, 1/13/07: It’s now official — Santa Monica City Council unanimously voted to ban non-recycleable food packaging on Jan. 9, 2007. Businesses have a year to become compliant.

Update, 2/4/07: No, do not put styrofoam in your recycling bin. It’s still not recycleable here.

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