Plastic pollution harms ecosystems and health. Consumers and businesses must take bold steps to reduce waste and adopt sustainable solutions. Together we can create a
Canada with plastic-free land and seas.
Plastic pollution is a massive issue, and unfortunately, it’s not going away anytime soon. Millions of tons of plastic waste end up in our oceans every year, harming wildlife and ecosystems, and infiltrating our bodies. While consumers are often blamed for not doing enough—like bringing reusable bags or recycling better—the reality is that the problem is far bigger than individual actions. Corporations (looking at you, McDonald’s and Coca-Cola) love to shift responsibility with campaigns urging us to recycle the waste they created. But real change requires bold action from both consumers and businesses. Here’s what we’ve learned at Mind Your Plastic about how we can all make a difference.
For Consumers: Think Bigger
Yes, bring your reusables. Yes, recycle. But those are just the basics. Tackling plastic pollution means going beyond the obvious with more creative, impactful solutions.
1. Share Your Feedback
Corporations say they need to see demand before they’ll invest in sustainable alternatives, so let’s give them that demand! Call out bad behavior, but don’t forget to celebrate companies doing the right thing. Many sustainable pilots fail because of low consumer adoption—let’s change that.
It’s also critical we hold our leaders accountable and demand policy change across all three levels of government. Without stricter regulations, we are relying on corporations to make voluntary change, which is less likely to happen.
MYP has template letters to help you demand change from businesses and municipalities. Make your voice heard.
2. Stop Buying Into Greenwashing
Brands love to slap “eco-friendly” labels on products, but not all claims are completely true or as good as they seem. Ask questions, demand transparency, and support companies genuinely committed to reducing plastic waste. If their actions don’t match their words, call them out! Not sure what’s legit? Connect with our team and we can help you spot the difference.
3. Support Local Solutions
Local action has massive potential. Join clean-ups, attend council meetings, and advocate for plastic-free policies in your community. Work with local businesses to reduce their plastic use. Small efforts can spark big movements.
4. Champion Bold Ideas
Support businesses offering innovative alternatives, like Sharewares and Friendlier, revolutionizing to-go foodware with reusable services. These ideas often face hurdles like limited consumer adoption, so give them a shot, share feedback, and help them grow.
For Businesses: Lead the Charge
Businesses are crucial to tackling plastic pollution. Adopt circular economy practices, reduce plastic in supply chains, and collaborate with others for greater impact. Need help de-plasticizing your business? Check out our free toolkits, or reach out directly and we can help.
Conclusion: We Need Bold Action
Reducing plastic pollution isn’t just about using paper straws or recycling—it’s about challenging the status quo. Consumers, you have the power to demand change through feedback, supporting innovations, and rejecting greenwashing. Businesses, it’s time to lead with bold, sustainable solutions.
Convenience got us here, but bold action will get us out. Together, we can create a Canada with plastic-free land and seas. Let’s get started—every step counts!
Check out our free toolkits at mindyourplastic.ca
