This week I had the honor and privilege of being invited to the meeting of the Key West Attractions Association to discuss the efforts of the Mayor's Green Coalition and, more specifically, the mission of the Love Your Island Program of the Key West Chamber of Commerce.

What immediately struck me was the universal interest of everyone in doing more to make our island green, clean and sustainable. While there are many components to achieving this enviable status, it was clear to me that the will exists for Key West to become an example of what can be done to protect and enhance not only our lifestyle but this beautiful place that we call home.

I would be remiss in not encouraging every resident and business to become part of this effort by taking personal responsibility of the things that we do as individuals and the things we can do as members of the various companies where we work and the organizations to which we belong. In this regard, I invite all of you to take a look at the Chamber of Commerce Web site, www.loveyourisland.com for some ideas on how you can begin.

The reason I am writing this letter, though, is much more specific and pointed. During my presentation, I did a short piece on the egregious nature of Styrofoam and how it is so universally accepted by all of us as a convenience for our morning coffee or to take home food from restaurants. I showed the group Styrofoam and explained how detrimental it is in its production, its use and its disposal. I then showed the same audience almost exactly similar products (cups, plates, plastic flatware and take-home containers) that are made from corn. These items are readily available on the market, cost about the same as Styrofoam, but are biodegradable and compostable. I asked the group why we aren't demanding that these products be used in Key West.

Later that day, I received an overwhelming number of e-mails and phone calls stating that, "We never knew. Where do we get this stuff" It's very simple. Please find the address at the above Web site or go directly to www.ecoproducts.com and www.trellisearth.com.

This is such a simple thing. It is something that every bar and restaurant can do with almost no cost and it will have an enormous impact on our immediate environment. Styrofoam and plastic bags are one of the most dangerous things released by human beings into the environment. If enough bars and restaurants want this product, it will be made easily available by one of the food company suppliers. My question to all of us is simply, why aren't we doing this

Chris Belland
Key West