Communities across Canada are implementing various strategies to combat the pervasive issue of plastic pollution, including single-use plastic bans and fees.
In short:
- Montreal and Banff have introduced effective single-use plastic restrictions, achieving high compliance rates with ambitious recycling and reuse policies.
- Some cities, including Calgary and Vancouver, have faced public resistance and have repealed or modified their initial plastic reduction policies.
- Innovative approaches like Banff's reusable container programs and rewards for personal cup usage are being tested to encourage public participation in sustainability efforts.
Key quote:
" … stop thinking so much about, 'What's the most convenient, cheapest option for me?' And more so thinking, 'What is the best long-term option for us as a community, as a people?"
— Emily Robinson, sustainability researcher, University of Guelph
Why this matters:
The environmental repercussions of plastic pollution are severe, affecting wildlife and ecosystems as plastics break down into microplastics, which then enter the food chain. These microplastics represent a threat to aquatic and terrestrial life and pose potential health risks to humans, as they can end up in the foods we eat and the water we drink.
