Ontario considering ban on single-use plastics

The Ontario government recently released a discussion paper on reducing litter and waste, and asked the public how best to address the problem: One question it raised was a potential ban on single-use plastic.

Currently, Ontario generates nearly a tonne of waste per person annually. The use of plastic straws and stir-sticks have been banned by the hamburger chain, A&W, and more recently still, by Air Canada. Even retailers such as Walmart Canada has opted to commit to plastic waste reduction, as they stated in their January 23rd press release.

Environment Minister Catherine McKenna acknowledged the role Ontarians play in diverting waste from landfills, and examined how plastic bags, straws and stir-sticks could be eliminated from coffee chains, fast-food or office supplies.

While plastic reduction is a factor that can affect consumer choices, most particularly among millennials, this opens an opportunity for either compostable or eco-friendly industries to supply office coffee service companies.

The Ontario Provincial Government was looking for public feedback on the Reducing Litter and Waste in Our Communities: Discussion Paper, which expands upon commitments in Preserving and Protecting our Environment for Future Generations: A Made-in-Ontario Environment Plan. The paper poses questions that will help guide future decision-making to divert more waste from landfill.