Editor:
Society has become so reliant on plastic products that it is difficult to imagine life without them. Nevertheless, waste from this material is an environmental disaster estimated to kill over a million sea creatures per year.
We’ve known about the enormous plastic garbage patches in the oceans for decades. A new study reports that billions of plastic items on the coral reefs in the Asia-Pacific region threaten their survival. China’s decision to no longer accept foreign plastic for reprocessing has set off more alarm bells. According to the World Economic Forum, by 2050 there will likely be more plastic than fish in the oceans.
Individually, we must try harder to reduce our plastic footprint. Our local drinking water is excellent but people continue to buy cases of bottled water. Too many consumers still purchase beverage cans in six pack rings and rely on plastic bags for shopping.
Retailers also need to be more responsible. Many eateries and stores still provide plastic bags by default rather than upon request. We don’t typically use straws at home so why do restaurants put them in our drinks? It’s an example of what David Suzuki calls “plastic madness.” Large companies including Iceland Foods and McDonald’s are vowing to eliminate plastic waste. Will local businesses do the same?
When other efforts fall short it is necessary for governments to act. A worldwide trend towards plastic waste reduction is being led by countries such as Taiwan and Kenya. Canada has prohibited the hazardous plastic microbeads in personal care products beginning July 1. California has banned single-use plastic bags and Victoria is following suit. The SCRD should be encouraged to show leadership on this issue by choosing the same path.
Richard Carton, Sechelt
