There has been a plan announced to ban some single use plastics in Canada by the end of 2021.  This includes “plastic grocery bags, straws, stir sticks, six-pack rings, cutlery and food containers made from hard-to-recycle plastics” (Aiello, 2020).  Environment and Climate Change Minister Jonathan Wilkinson declared the ban as the government’s next phase to achieve zero plastic waste by the end of 2030. 

“’When a ban comes into effect, your local stores will be providing you with alternatives to these plastic products,’ Wilkinson said, adding that he knows it’s hard to come back from a trip to the grocery store without single-use plastic products, especially food packaging, but that ‘has to change'” (Aiello, 2020).

Evidently, Canada needs to do better and improve their progression to achieving zero plastic waste. Compared to Canada who is just now passing this law, a similar law was passed back in February 2020 in France. They are now taking steps implement the law, banning about 30 fruits and vegetables from being sold with plastic packaging from January 1st, 2021. 

With similar bans happening in many countries, it is crucial Canada finds sustainable solutions for plastic packaging now. Plastic pollution is a pressing issue and Canada needs to address it now before it is too late and businesses are scrambling to find an alternative to their packaging.