On 14–16 March 2018, through the Social and Environmental Department of the FMIPA UI Student Executive Board (BEM), FMIPA UI conducted a free trial of styrofoam alternative food packaging for canteen vendors.
This initiative was carried out as a step to reduce the use of styrofoam food packaging.
Before this trial, the FMIPA UI Student Executive Board (BEM) had socialized the health and environmental hazards of styrofoam to canteen vendors and students.
During the free trial, all canteen vendors at FMIPA UI used carton box packaging as an alternative to styrofoam for food containers.
The carton box food packaging is more environmentally friendly and safe for health because it is made from paper, unlike plastic-based materials such as styrofoam, which contain components like benzene.
In addition to being hazardous to health, styrofoam is also harmful to the environment, as it is not easily biodegradable.
Vendors in some UI canteens no longer use styrofoam, but there are still those who do. According to BEM FMIPA UI, this is due to several factors: a lack of knowledge among vendors about the dangers of using styrofoam, the low cost and easy availability of styrofoam, and its practicality. Additionally, the absence of clear and strict regulations banning the use of styrofoam as food packaging is also a factor contributing to its continued use.
Based on a survey conducted by BEM FMIPA UI among FMIPA UI students, it was found that 277 out of 288 respondents had used styrofoam to package food, and 193 respondents used styrofoam for food packaging 1–3 times per week. Additionally, 261 respondents expressed willingness to use carton box packaging as a substitute for styrofoam, even if it meant a slightly higher selling price as a consequence.
