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
Tell Ontario to protect our land and water from plastic pollution
The Ontario government recently released a discussion paper on reducing litter and waste across the province and has launched a public consultation to hear ideas on how to tackle all the waste piling up around us. This is an opportunity to have your voice heard.
Toolkit for Change
Guides to reducing plastic in your life and your community, and to challenging decision-makers to do more. Check out our fast fact sheets and visual guides, and then share your achievements with our community of change makers.
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
Great news! The feds have committed to real action on plastics, and it's ticking a lot of boxes
This week, the Canadian government announced that it will take measures to address plastic pollution. During the announcement, a journalist asked the Prime Minister what...
Learn MorePlastic Pollution and the Myth of Convenience
Why do we have a plastic problem? There are many reasons. It is lightweight, flexible, strong and cheap. From the 1950s the world saw a dramatic rise...
Learn MoreA Day in the Life - Nine tips for zero-waste grocery shopping!
This is a guest post by zero-waste blogger Tara McKenna. Check out her Instagram @ZeroWasteCollective for more awesome tips and encouragement on living plastic free! I’ve...
Learn MoreFeeling richer using less - the start of my journey to go plastic free
This is a guest post by Sophie Jacazio, Environmental Defence Outreach team member and zero-waste champion. Over the following blog series Sophie is going to...
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.
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.