The government is currently considering a ban for all single-use plastics.
Each person in Ontario generates nearly a tonne of waste every year with Ontario producing over 10,000 tonnes of plastic that goes into our lakes yearly.
The government released a proposition to residents asking for ideas on how Ontario can reduce the amount of waste produced in the province. The province also brought up the possibility to reduce plastic waste by implementing a ban on single-use plastics. Examples of single-use plastics include plastic bags, plastic straws, and plastic water bottles.
Here in London, many businesses have already embraced sustainable business practices. Plant Matter has three locations in London and owner Glenn Whitehead says that the vegan restaurants’ philosophy is to be as sustainable as possible.
“Our responsibility is to make sure we’re doing as much as we can to reduce our footprint”
The store uses plant based plastic cups, paper-based containers and straws, and also uses sustainable energy which Whitehead says is considerably more expensive but worth it in the long run.
This follows after Vancouver made Canadian history by being the first city in Canada to ban plastic straws. The city also banned foam takeout containers and cups as well. In addition, the city also placed restrictions on disposable cups and plastic bags.
A Vancouver business also decided to support sustainability through bubble tea. Reusable Bubble Tea Cup was started by Vancouverites Carrie Lai and her partner Derek. Lai says that she started the business when she realized how wasteful single-use cups are and then figured out a solution.
“[I] couldn’t bear throwing away another plastic cup for a 5-minute drink. We thought of how amazing this product was and made 3 extra to sell on Facebook. Within 24 hours, our phones were blowing up and we had 174 orders. We realized that Vancouverites are willing and ready to adapt this reusable item into their lives, and so we embraced the community’s wishes.”
The cup has gained heavy traction with customers and businesses alike. Vancouver bubble tea shops have also welcomed the reusable cups with various locations selling the cups in store and some even offering additional discounts and perks for bringing your own cup.
However, it’s clear to see that many Londoners are already taking the initiative to help lower our local waste—plastic ban or not. We’ll just have to wait and see if the government moves forward with the proposal.
