Photo Courtesy City of Edmonton
Single use plastics? Not so fantastic! BY TOM FIRTH
I
t was with much debate that the conversation about the continued presence of single-use plastics became part of our lives. While it may seem like images of sea turtles surrounded by plastic can holders or straws might come from far away – perhaps too far for us to be
concerned about - the rising presence of plastics in our lives (and in our waste) is coming to a critical mass in Alberta. Our landfills are well… filling up – and recycling only goes so far. And really, as far as things go, do we need to be presented with a onetime-only plastic straw for our sodas?
In late December 2022, Canada prohibited certain single use plastics, such as stir sticks, straws, and yes - plastic cutlery and plastic shopping bags, in an effort to reach zero plastic waste by 2030. In part, this is an effort to curb greenhouse gas emissions, but also address pollution September 2023 | Culinaire 29
