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
Oct 05, 2022
Canada is failing to reach its goal of eliminating plastic waste by 2030 – but we shouldn’t give up
There are solutions to the plastic pollution crisis beyond recycling Quick – what was the…
Sep 21, 2022
New Report Card: Recycling and provincial waste policy will fail to eliminate plastic waste by 2030
New federal action needed to achieve Zero Plastic Waste goal Toronto | Traditional territories of…
Jul 04, 2022
Co-written by Michelle Woodhouse, Water Program Manager It’s common knowledge that the oceans are filling…
Jun 24, 2022
We finally did it! Canada’s single-use plastic bans are for real
Big news this week! With a series of live announcements held across the country, the…
May 10, 2022
It’s that time of year again: it’s “Blame You for Plastic Pollution Day”, aka the…
Apr 01, 2022
The Next Ontario Government Must Tackle Plastic Pollution
Plastic pollution is a global crisis with a local twist: Ontarians throw away more than…
Mar 18, 2022
Burning Plastic Is a Terrible Idea. Here’s Why.
In the global race to address the plastic pollution crisis, there are “must-dos” and there…
Feb 14, 2022
Canada Needs a Real Plan – And Fast – To Get To Zero Plastic Waste by 2030
Environmental Defence has partnered with more than 50 environmental groups to call on the federal…
Jan 19, 2022
Reusable Containers and Packaging are Crucial to Ending Plastic Pollution
Canada is at a watershed moment in the fight against plastic pollution. The government has…
Jan 12, 2022
Government Must Ban Harmful Single-Use Plastics Now, Not in Two Years
The government finally posted draft regulations to ban six single-use plastics over the holidays. Unfortunately…