OTTAWA — An Oceana Canada-commissioned Abacus Data study conducted from June 2-6, 2020, shows that the vast majority – 86 per cent – of Canadians want the government to fulfill its commitment to ban harmful single-use plastics by 2021. This compares to a similar survey conducted in 2019 that found 81 per cent of Canadians supported such a ban.
“This research shows that more than ever, Canadians want a future without harmful single-use plastics,” said Kim Elmslie, Campaign Director, Oceana Canada. “Unequivocally, we want the Canadian government to take swift and effective action to end the growing plastic disaster.”
Earlier this month on World Oceans Day, Oceana Canada launched a petition calling on the Prime Minister and the Minister of the Environment to fulfil their mandate commitment to ban unnecessary single-use plastics – such as straws, bottles, cups and other food packaging – by 2021. To date, more than 50,000 people have signed our petition calling for action on this issue. Oceana Canada also released a video today to help illustrate the impact of plastic pollution.
Twenty-two million kilograms of plastic leaks into the ocean every day, equivalent to one garbage truck per minute, threatening marine life and ecosystems. It is everywhere and in everything, and it never goes away. Over time, plastic breaks down into tiny pieces, which we all eat and breathe in. It is in Arctic ice, every fish tested in the Great Lakes, beluga whales, seabirds and more than half of all sea turtles. Plastics are on the seafloor in the deepest parts of the ocean, in the ocean breeze and have even now been found in rain. To make matters worse, plastic production is expected to increase fourfold by 2050.
In Canada alone:
• Less than 10 per cent of the plastic discarded is recycled.
• 47 per cent of the plastic waste generated comes from plastic packaging and single-use plastics.
• Canada creates 3.3 million tonnes of plastic waste every year.
• 29,000 tonnes of plastic leaks into Canada’s environment every year due to poorly managed plastic waste.
“Plastic is so prevalent in our lives that it is almost impossible to live completely plastic free. It is everywhere: from plastic-lined coffee cups to plastic pens and plastic cutlery offered with takeout,” said Elmslie. “But there is still hope for our oceans. We can end the plastic disaster for ourselves, for our oceans and for our future by stopping it at the source. By implementing the promised national ban, our government has an opportunity to show leadership in helping solve this global crisis that we as a country are contributing to.”
To learn more about Oceana Canada’s campaign to stop plastic pollution, visit www.oceana.ca/Plastics. To sign the petition, visit www.change.org/EndthePlasticDisaster.
Oceana is the largest international advocacy organization dedicated solely to ocean conservation. Oceana is rebuilding abundant and biodiverse oceans by winning science-based policies in countries that control one-third of the world’s wild fish catch. With more than 225 victories that stop overfishing, habitat destruction, pollution, and the killing of threatened species like turtles and sharks, Oceana’s campaigns are delivering results. A restored ocean means that 1 billion people can enjoy a healthy seafood meal, every day, forever. Together, we can save the oceans and help feed the world. Visit www.oceana.org to learn more.