Is Canada REALLY Banning Single-Use Plastic?
Learn More About The Canadian Plastic Ban and Find Out What It Means for the U.S.
Single-use plastic bag bans have been a hot topic in Canada for many years. Several cities and provinces have attempted to pass plastic bag bans with varying degrees of success. So it was surprising when officials announced a country-wide ban of single-use plastic items.
This measure is far-reaching and will have a significant impact on residents, businesses, and the environment.
Learn more about Canada’s single-use plastic ban and what this ban can mean for the United States.
True North Going Plastic-Free
The disposable plastic ban was first announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in 2019.
The ban is a response to an abundance of plastic waste and litter.
Some estimates indicate that Canadians generate 3 million tons of plastic waste each year. The ban is intended to help reduce this staggering number and streamline the waste stream. The ultimate goal is to eliminate all plastic waste by 2030.
In late 2020, officials confirmed that the single-use plastic ban will go into effect by the end of 2021.
Canada’s plastic ban covers a variety of single-use items, including grocery bags, straws, stir sticks, cutlery, and more.
Identifying Trends
Single-use plastic bans typically spread throughout regions and states.
We have been tracking the single-use plastic bag ban movement with our interactive bag ban map for many years now.
During this time we have noticed a pattern emerge. Once one city or county implements a single-use plastic bag ban, neighboring municipalities follow that lead. This pattern still holds true as other items, such as disposable plastic straws and Styrofoam food containers are also banned.
State-wide plastic bag bans have become more common in the U.S. with the movement gaining significant momentum on both the east and west coasts.
It is very likely that if Canada is able to successfully implement a single-use plastic ban, a similar ban could come to the United States.
Being the first to do something can be difficult, but it’s a lot easier to follow someone else’s lead.
How to Prepare for a Single-Use Plastic Ban
Bans have an obvious impact on businesses that deal with single-use plastic items.
If your business is in the retail or restaurant sector, then now is the time to begin offering reusable alternatives to single-use plastic bags.
Preparing your staff and your customers now will allow for a seamless transition if and when a plastic ban becomes a reality in your city, county, state, or country.
Reusable items also make excellent promotional items.
So even if your business is not directly impacted by a single-use plastic ban, custom reusable items can still serve your business.
Here are 3 items that can help your customers and your business prepare for a single-use plastic ban.
1. Marketing Is In the Bag
Single-use plastic bags have long been a staple of retail businesses, but it doesn’t have to be that way.
Custom reusable bags are a safe and reliable alternative that can easily replace single-use plastic bags.
Reusable bags are good for the planet, but they’re also good for your brand. After they are customized with your branding info, reusable bags become highly effective promotional products. They will be a regular reminder of your brand and spread your message to a wider audience.
2. Eco-Friendly Straws
Reusable straws are an alternative to single-use straws which can have very dire environmental consequences. Eco-friendly straws are good for the planet and can help promote your business.
All of our straws come in a pouch or storage container that makes it easy to take the straw on the go, but can also be customized with your marketing info.
When your customers reach for your branded straw they will be reminded of your business.
3. Coffee To Go
Plastic foam, more commonly known as Styrofoam, is also a commonly banned item. You can assist your customers with custom tumblers.
And Insulated to-go cups can easily keep items at the right temperature while also putting your branding information on display.
Secure Your Own Custom Promotional Items
Single-use plastic bans are becoming more common and Canada’s ban is significant for a variety of reasons. This ban can have a positive impact on the environment, but it will also serve as an inspiration and potential blueprint for a similar ban in the United States.
We have been helping our customers create eco-friendly promotional products for just over 10 years and we are available to help you, too. We have the experience to make the process easy for you. And we are the manufacturer so we make the prices affordable for your team.
Shop our full line of eco-friendly promotional items.
Tagged
