Prime Justin Trudeau says the Federal government plans to ban single-use plastics like straws and cutlery by 2021. (Facebook)
About one-third of the plastics used in Canada are for single-use or short-lived products and packaging.
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his plan to ban harmful single-use plastic by 2021.
This will include products such as plastic bags, straws, cutlery, plates, and stir sticks.
Up to 15 billion plastic bags are used every year in Canada and close to 57 million straws are used daily.
“Canadians know first-hand the impacts of plastic pollution, and are tired of seeing their beaches, parks, streets, and shorelines littered with plastic waste,” says Trudeau. “We have a responsibility to work with our partners to reduce plastic pollution, protect the environment, and create jobs and grow our economy. We owe it to our kids to keep the environment clean and safe for generations to come.”
Trudeau says banned products will be determined by a series of scientific research.
Other steps are also being taken to reduce pollution from plastic products and packaging.
The Canadian government wants to introduce guidelines for companies that manufacture plastic products or sell items with plastic packaging so they become responsible for their plastic waste.
These measures support the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment’s development of an action plan to implement the Canada-wide Strategy on Zero Plastic Waste.
