Canada Wants to Ban Single-Use Plastics"
by Vicky Stein
From Vancouver to Halifax, plastic plates, plastic bags and plastic straws may be on their way out. But a possible country-wide prohibition on certain single-use plastic products may not address the spread of the most insidious plastic litter, some scientists say.
According to Canadian officials, the potential bans — which could go into effect as early as 2021 — would not only curb litter but also cut nearly 2 million tons of carbon pollution. They claim the policy would also stimulate the economy by creating 42,000 jobs.
“I am, like a lot of scientists, excited, with a lot of caveats,” said Max Liboiron, an environmental scientist at Memorial University in Newfoundland.
Plastics can persist for hundreds, if not thousands of years in the environment. Plastic litter can entangle and kill wildlife, or break down into tiny particles — microplastics — that collect and leach out heavy metals or harmful chemicals. While recycling ca…
n help reduce the amount of plastic waste, it is not a comprehensive solution.
Liboiron points out that the proposed bans in Canada focus on items like plastic plates and straws, which make up a small percentage of plastic waste. The majority of plastic pollution comes from items like food packaging, cigarette butts, and plastic wrappers, which are not currently included in the ban.
Furthermore, even if these single-use plastic items are banned, alternatives like paper or compostable plastics may not be much better for the environment. In some cases, these alternatives can actually have a higher carbon footprint and contribute to deforestation or bioaccumulation of toxins.
Instead of solely focusing on banning certain plastic items, Liboiron suggests that the government should also consider implementing regulations that address the entire life cycle of plastic, including production, consumption, and disposal. This could involve reducing plastic production, promoting reusable products, and improving recycling infrastructure.
While the proposed ban on single-use plastics in Canada is a step in the right direction, it may not be enough to address the widespread issue of plastic pollution. Comprehensive and holistic approaches are needed to tackle the problem at its root and create a sustainable future.