Plastic pollution reduction initiatives in the Prairies get a boost from the Federal Government

WINNIPEG, MB, Oct. 7, 2020 /CNW/ - Plastic is polluting our rivers, lakes, and oceans and harming the wildlife that calls those places home. Of the 3 million tonnes of plastic waste Canadians throw away each year, only 9 percent is recycled, representing about $8 billion in lost revenue. The Government of Canada is working to keep plastics in our economy and out of the environment, which will protect our wildlife and our waterways, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save money, and create jobs.

Today, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson announced the next steps of the Government of Canada's plan to achieve zero plastic waste by 2030.

A key part of the plan is to propose a ban on harmful single-use plastic items where there is evidence that they are found in the environment, are often not recycled, and have readily available alternatives. Based on those criteria, the six items the Government proposes to ban are plastic checkout bags, straws, stir sticks, six-pack rings, cutlery, and food ware made from hard-to-recycle plastics.

The list of items was published today in the discussion paper ? A Proposed Integrated Management Approach to Plastic Products to Prevent Waste and Pollution. The approach also proposes improvements to recover and recycle plastic, to keep it in our economy and out of the environment.

The Government of Canada is committed to working with provinces, territories, and organizations that are working to reduce plastic pollution in communities across the country. That is why, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change (Canada Water Agency), Terry Duguid, also announced Canada's investment of $330,000 to support three new projects in the Prairies through the Zero Plastic Waste Initiative.

This funding will support the development of new innovative solutions that prevent, capture, and remove plastic pollution and inform sustainable consumer actions. The organizations receiving funding are the following:

• Nativus Energy Ltd will work with the Lake St. Martin First Nation community to determine community specific strategies for increased collection and diversion of plastic waste
• Wicehtowak Limnos Consulting Services Ltd. will develop a plastic waste management program in conjunction with the George Gordon First Nation
• Alberta Plastics Recycling Association will gather data about the amount and types of plastic pollution created from industries and municipalities in the Edmonton Capital Region to help support waste reduction strategies moving forward

Through the Zero Plastic Waste Initiative, Environment and Climate Change Canada is investing about $2 million in support of new projects to implement innovative community solutions across Canada.

These projects will lead to a measurable reduction of plastic pollution in Canada and support a circular economy. By improving how we manage plastic waste and investing in innovative solutions, we can reduce 1.8 million tonnes of carbon pollution per year, create jobs, and leave a better, healthier planet for future generations.

Quotes

"Canadians across the Prairies are stepping up with innovative solutions to tackle plastic pollution and keep our lakes and waterways clean. Our government is proud to support these initiatives that will help protect our waters and fight plastic pollution."

? Terry Duguid, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change (Canada Water Agency)

Quick facts

• Since 2018, Canada has invested an additional $3 million in mobilizing actions to raise awareness by Canadians and improve the understanding, mitigation, and remediation of plastic waste and pollution in Canada.
• In Canada, 29,000 tonnes of plastic entered the environment as pollution in 2016 alone. Without action to prevent plastic pollution, this amount could rise to 40,000 tonnes by 2030.
• Canadians throw away over 3 million tonnes of plastic waste every year?that's as heavy as 25,000 blue whales!
• Only 9 percent of Canada's plastic waste is recycled while the rest ends up in landfills, waste-to-energy facilities, or the environment.

Related products

• New projects funded by the Zero Plastic Waste Initiative

Associated links

• Toward zero plastic waste
• Canada one-step closer to zero plastic waste by 2030
• Zero Plastic Waste Initiative
• Canada to ban harmful single-use plastics and hold companies responsible for plastic waste

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SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada