December 23, 2007 - For many, however, the switch has been a struggle, with some small-business owners saying they are still scrambling to find affordable material to replace cheap polystyrene, or plastic foam. Santa Monica is the only city in the state to ban both polystyrene and nonrecyclable plastic, Miller said. Tommy Makino, who owns and runs the small shop alone, said he recently spoke to a paper distributor about switching out the shop's plastic and polystyrene cups.