Fighting Plastic Waste and Litter

Litter is not just unsightly – plastic waste can be downright dangerous and even deadly to wildlife and to ecosystems. Local cleanups can help, but to make headway, we need to tackle litter at the source. One way is to cut back on single use plastics. Right now, the Ontario government is asking for public input on reducing litter and waste. See below for the comment link, and for suggestions on what to ask for. Make sure to submit your comments by April 20.

To learn more:

Here are some ways you can voice your opinion:

TEA’s summary

A plastics solution for Ontario needs to focus on reduction and must:

  • Ban the top problem plastics now, and phase in bans for other single-use items
  • Pass rules to make producers responsible for recycling the products and packaging they sell
  • Use deposit systems to collect plastics, like drink containers, and keep them out of the environment
  • Never burn plastics and call that diversion. Thermal treatment is an expensive and toxic form of disposal that undermines a circular economy.

The Toronto Field Naturalists wish to acknowledge this land through which we walk. For thousands of years it has been the traditional land of the Wendat, the Seneca, and most recently, the Mississauga of the Credit River. Today it is still the home to many Indigenous peoples from across Turtle Island and we are grateful to have the opportunity to be on this land.