By Faridat Salifu
Despite a recent court ruling questioning the constitutionality of such limitations, Canadian restaurants and cafés said goodbye to plastic straws, food containers, checkout bags, and silverware as of Wednesday, in a historic step toward reducing plastic waste.
The regulation, which prohibits the provision of single-use plastics to customers, was introduced as part of Ottawa’s commitment to achieving zero plastic waste by 2030.
While the ban encountered resistance in November with a court ruling deeming it “unreasonable and unconstitutional,” the government persisted in its pursuit of a more sustainable future.
The prohibition against the manufacture, sale, or in-store distribution of single-use plastics went into effect following an appeal to stay an order quashing the ban, signifying a steadfast commitment to the cause.
For individuals like Charles Desgens and Helene Boulanger, the newly implemented law resonates positively.
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Desgens expressed his support for the mandate, acknowledging the necessity of legislative action to prompt change, while Boulanger shared a similar sentiment, emphasizing the value of the additional effort required for more sustainable practices.
However, as observed by Emile Doucet of the Parma sandwich restaurant, the transition to alternative materials presents challenges, highlighting that viable replacements for plastic are not yet readily accessible. Yet, with Canadians discarding an astonishing three million tonnes of plastic waste annually, the need for change is indisputable.
By setting an ambitious target of recycling 90 percent of plastic waste, in alignment with European standards for 2029, the Canadian government’s commitment to combatting plastic pollution is resolute.
Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault emphasized the urgent need for action, citing the pervasive impact of plastic pollution on wildlife and the environment.
The progressive ban on single-use plastics also reflects the deep-rooted support for environmental conservation within Canadian society, as evidenced by a survey conducted by environmental group Oceana Canada. Furthermore, the initiative aligns with the global movement to address plastic pollution, with 50 other nations implementing similar laws.
In response to this concerted effort, the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) underscored the imperative to reduce single-use plastics by half, enhance the recycling and reuse of plastics, and introduce sustainable alternatives. With a staggering 353 million tonnes of plastic waste produced worldwide in 2019, the move by Canada not only sets a precedent for environmental responsibility but also contributes to a pivotal shift towards sustainable environment.
