Single-use plastic beverage containers, including water bottles, are not on the list of single-use plastics that the Government of Canada is banning by the end of 2021. That list includes:
- Checkout bags
- Stir sticks
- Beverage six-pack rings
- Cutlery
- Straws
- Food packaging made from plastics that are difficult to recycle
But many people think plastic water bottles should be on this list, even though they are generally recyclable.
Here’s why: Although single-use plastic beverage bottles can be recycled, they often aren’t. It’s especially bad here in Ontario, one of only two provinces without a deposit return program for plastic beverage bottles. Adding a deposit fee to plastic beverage containers sold here in Ontario would help. But some say we need to go further and ban single-use plastic bottles.
One argument against banning these bottles is many Indigenous communities rely on bottled water due to boil-water advisories. However, bottled water is not a long-term solution for them. They need and deserve safe tap water, which has the added benefit of not being a source of microplastic particles (did you know bottled water has microplastics?).
Do you think the Government of Canada should ban single-use plastic beverage containers? Do you want to know more?
- Read and comment on the Government of Canada’s proposed plan to reduce plastic waste (deadline is December 9)
- Read a column by David Suzuki in which he addresses banning these containers
- Sign a petition to ban single-use plastic water bottles
- Read a report on putting a deposit on non-alcoholic beverage containers
