Vancouver's Fight Against Single-Use Plastics: Are We Doing Enough?
Photo credit: Beach clean up volunteer Danielle Campani - Kitsilano Beach Clean up 2019
Vancouver is a city blessed with stunning natural beauty, from its majestic mountains to its glistening coastline. As citizens, we have a responsibility to protect our environment and preserve it for future generations. One of the major steps taken by the City of Vancouver is the implementation of bylaws to reduce our reliance on single-use plastics. While these measures are commendable, it's vital to question whether they are sufficient and what further actions can be taken. In this blog, we'll discuss three lesser-known aspects of Vancouver's single-use plastic bylaws and explore what else needs to be done. We also invite you to share your feedback with us so we can inform our ongoing programs and campaigns.
1. The Single-Use Item Reduction Strategy
While most Vancouverites may be aware of the plastic straw ban, many might not know about the city's broader Single-Use Item Reduction Strategy. Launched in 2018, the strategy aims to reduce the use of disposable cups, plastic and paper shopping bags, foam cups and take-out containers, and plastic straws. The city has set ambitious targets to reduce the use of these items by 50% by 2022. Business owners are encouraged to develop innovative solutions and partner with the city to meet these goals. As part of this strategy, the city has also implemented a bylaw that requires businesses to report annually on their progress in reducing single-use items.
2. The "By-Request" Bylaw
The by-request bylaw is another lesser-known aspect of Vancouver's fight against single-use plastics. This bylaw, implemented in 2020, requires food vendors to only provide plastic straws, utensils, and condiment packages upon customer request. The objective is to minimize waste by ensuring these items are only provided when needed. However, there is room for improvement, as the bylaw does not cover plastic cutlery and other disposable items that are pre-packaged with food.
3. Encouraging Reusable Alternatives
Vancouver's single-use plastic bylaws not only focus on reducing waste but also promoting reusable alternatives. In 2021, the city introduced a bylaw that requires businesses to apply a minimum $0.25 fee on disposable cups and a minimum $0.15 fee on paper bags. These fees are meant to encourage customers to bring their reusable cups and bags, thereby reducing the demand for disposable options.
Always More to Be Done
While Vancouver's bylaws have made strides in reducing single-use plastics, there's still work to be done. For instance, businesses who know that they are to charge a fee for reusable items and bags, can choose to donate the fees collected to a charity or toward a green initiative that they can spearhead.
Another consideration, is that the city could expand the by-request bylaw to include all disposable items, such as cutlery and condiments, that come pre-packaged with food. Additionally, Vancouver could consider banning other single-use items like plastic produce bags and disposable coffee pods.
Furthermore, the city could increase public education and awareness campaigns to encourage a culture shift towards sustainable living. This could involve working with schools, community groups, and businesses to promote the use of reusable items, proper recycling practices, and waste reduction.
Share Your Thoughts with Surfrider Vancouver - We want to hear from our Vancouver community
We want to hear your thoughts on Vancouver's single-use plastic bylaws and what you believe can be improved or added. Share your feedback with us by visiting our website to email us or our social media platforms. Your input is valuable in shaping a more sustainable future for our beautiful city.