5 Alternatives for every Lagos Food Vendor as Government places a Ban on Styrofoam

2 weeks ago, the Lagos state government placed a ban on the use of styrofoam, popularly known as the foamy takeaway. The larger part of the people who use this material are the food vendors. Other people who use it only do so on occasions, when there is an event. 

According to the government, this ban was attributed to the extensive environmental harm caused by styrofoam, particularly the blockage of drains throughout Lagos. 

Also, the accumulation of styrofoam in drains leads to water spillage on roads even in the absence of rain. This constant wetness accelerates road erosion, resulting in damage and increased wear and tear on vehicles, especially in areas with poor road conditions, thereby heightening the risk of accidents and related issues.

Considering that most food vendors use styrofoam to sell their products, they may need to move on to other alternatives and try tactics that will keep them in business. This is why we have come up with a few options. 

Try Recyclable/Re-usable Plastics 

There is no need to be scared about whether people will want to pay for it or not. The ban has affected everyone living within Lagos and its environs which means that they are aware of the situation. Some of these plastics are also locally produced, so you can find them at budget-friendly prices and most importantly one that your customers can continuously afford. 

You can make a notice for people to bring in their plates

While you may start to think that not everyone will be able to afford recyclable plastics, you can inform your customers that they can always come with their plates or coolers as this saves them costs. Also, this helps you to retain customers who are used to buying from you but extra payment for a recycled plate might sound like a burden. They bring their plates, you sell some food and everyone is happy. 

Use Hard Carton Takeout Boxes 

These takeout containers come in various materials such as paper board or cardboard and are designed to hold food. Also, they can come in different shapes - rectangle or square and are made from sugarcane waste materials. Unlike reusable plastics, carton takeout boxes are not reusable and exactly durable but chances are they are a good alternative for food packaging. 

Foil Papers can also work 

While Foil papers can also work as an alternative for serving food, they are limited to specific uses or applications within the world of food packaging and presentation. Foil papers may be suitable for certain types of dishes or scenarios, giving an alternative that addresses environmental concerns associated with styrofoam. However, you must consider the suitability of the kind of food that you sell. 

For certain meals, leaves work just fine

For certain meals, leaves work just fine. Food vendors who sell items like traditional wraps, and street food will find leaves suitable and environmentally friendly.  Whether you are looking to make traditional meals or specialize in other street foods, leaves may do the bulk of the packaging work depending on the type of food you are selling. 

We hope that these alternatives can really help you stay in business. If you find this content helpful, sign up on our website to have full access to  job openings and other available resources on the career advice page. Also, you may want to follow us on social media: 

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