THE PROBLEM
Plastic pollution is found in every corner of the globe, from the deepest ocean trenches to the remotest arctic regions. Plastics do not biodegrade, but persist in the environment for hundreds of years, then break down in tiny pieces called micro plastics. These plastic particles make their way into our food, our water, and even into us.
The Solution
To protect marine animals, defend a healthy environment and stop plastics piling up around us, governments, businesses and individuals all have a role to play. Governments must ban toxic and tough to recycle products, and create laws aimed at reducing plastic waste, eliminating throwaway plastics, and increasing recycling. Businesses must commit to reducing their plastic packaging. And individuals must do their part to support the three Rs – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
Towards a Zero Plastic Waste Canada
Canada needs a national strategy to deal with our plastic pollution crisis. We are working towards a plastic waste free environment by 2025
Cash it! Don’t trash it
Plastic pollution is out of control in the Great Lakes. In Ontario, we’re working to put a price on plastic bottles to keep them out of the environment and increase recycling rates.
The Plastic Wall of Shame
We’re calling out companies for their downright shameful efforts to reduce single-use plastics. See who made the wall and tell them to clean up their acts.
Read The Plastic Diaries
Break free from this plastic bubble. Check out our blog page for new and updated content to answer all your questions about plastic and where we fit in.
Breaking News
Top 6 not-so-average eco-gift ideas: COVID edition
With the holidays around the corner, it’s time to start thinking of gift ideas for your loved ones. And while the holiday season may look...
Learn MoreHow to have a plastic and toxic-free Halloween: COVID edition
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve had to find new ways of doing many things like working and celebrating birthdays - and the...
Learn MoreOntario’s proposed Blue Box regulation will mean more plastic waste in parks, lakes, and landfills
On Monday, Ontario released its draft Blue Box regulation. This was a once-in-a-generation opportunity to fix this broken system, but the proposed regulation falls short...
Learn MoreGuest Blog: Banning single-use plastics is the right choice for our environment and our health
This is a guest blog by Dr. Melissa Lem, Board Member of the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment and a family physician in...
Learn MoreWHAT YOU CAN DO
Big problems require big solutions, and all of us can help make the changes we want to see. By signing petitions and attending events, you can make your voice heard and help to affect change.
Save Ontario’s Deposit Return Program for Beer, Wine and Liquor Containers
take action now.
Action on plastic pollution can't wait
take action.
Unilever, P&G, SC Johnson and Henkel: Stop fighting laws that prevent plastic pollution in Ontario!
take action now.
Less than 50 per cent of the plastic bottles sold in Ontario get recycled. The rest – about 1.5 billion bottles – end up in landfills or littered in our environment. It’s time to turn the plastic tide.
take action now.
Timeline
"Seeing the amount of plastics that end up on our beaches reminds me of how powerful it is to avoid single-use waste like take-out cups, and replace them with reusables. Our actions can be amplified with strong environmental laws. That's why I support Environmental Defence's aim of getting manufacturers to take responsibility for their own products, and reducing Canada's plastic waste."
-Sophie Jacazio, Environmental Defence Outreach Team member
MEET THE TEAM
At Environmental Defence, we educate the public about a host of environmental issues, work with business and government leaders to advise on policy decisions and mobilize Canadians to create the cleaner, greener more prosperous country we’re striving for. Meet the team who works on Plastics.
Join The Community
Change happens when people like you express your concern and make your voice heard. Join our email community to receive updates about Environmental Defence’s work and find ways you can help our efforts to defend clean water, a safe climate and healthy communities.