San Gabriel : Plastic Packaging Decision

The City Council unanimously passed a resolution Tuesday recommending that local fast-food vendors eliminate the use of plastic packages made with chlorofluorocarbons , which are considered partly responsible for damaging the earth’s protective ozone layer.

However, the compromise resolution stopped short of requiring an outright ban. In addition, the council voted to support state and federal efforts to phase out production of products made with chlorofluorcarbons.

Councilman John D. Tapp, who proposed the resolution, wasn’t completely satisfied with the final outcome. “I’d prefer a ban,” he said. “Ozone is not replaceable. When you lose ozone, it’s like cutting your arm off.”

In letters to the council, plastics industry representatives had urged the council not to enact a ban. Caltech scientist and ozone expert Yuk Ling Yung acknowledged that the industry has taken some steps to eliminate the use of chlorofluorocarbons but nevertheless urged a citywide prohibition.