Karen Wirsig
Senior Program Manager, Plastics
Karen has worked as a journalist and as a labour and community organizer. She has participated in her downtown Toronto housing co-operative for more than 20 years. An active transportation enthusiast who favours walking, cycling, and public transit, Karen has never owned a car. She is a voracious reader and has spent her adult life trying to unlearn the common belief that humans should strive for domination over each other, over other animals, and over nature itself. She’s passionate about helping to get plastics out of the environment.
Read Karen's Posts
Feb 13, 2025
Five Things You Should Know About Reusable Grocery Bags
We’ve gotten tons of questions about “reusable” shopping bags since the ban on single-use plastic…
Jan 29, 2025
Stop the Waste and Expand Deposit Return to All Beverage Containers in Ontario
This blog is part of our series outlining what we see as some of the…
Jan 28, 2025
Groups Oppose Brampton Waste Incinerator Expansion and Demand Updates to Ontario Pollution Policy
Ineffective requirements to control toxic pollutants could allow a dangerous spike of cancer-causing chemicals into…
Nov 20, 2024
Toronto | Traditional territories of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishinaabeg, the Haudenosaunee, and…
Nov 08, 2024
Harmful Chemicals in Plastic Are Wreaking Havoc on Our Bodies and the Environment
This blog is co-authored by Cassie Barker, Senior Program Manager for Toxics We’re surrounded by…
Nov 05, 2024
Food + Plastic Packaging = A Recipe for Trouble
It is fair to say that most food in the average Canadian grocery store is…
Oct 24, 2024
When It Comes to the Grocery Store, We’re Still Left Holding the Bag
If you’re worried about plastic pollution, you’ve likely felt exasperated unpacking your reusable bag after…
Jul 31, 2024
New Poll: 84 per cent of People across Canada Want Grocery Chains to Get Rid of Unnecessary Plastic
Support also strong for further government action on plastics Toronto | Traditional territories of the…
Jul 12, 2024
Buying Groceries without Garbage Packaging Is Possible — And Should Be Much More Available!
This Plastic Free July, we are turning our sights on Canada’s grocery stores — one…
Jul 05, 2024
When Will Grocery Stores Finally Clean up Their Act When It Comes to Plastics?
Throwaway grocery checkout bags are mostly a thing of the past. That’s thanks to a…