It is estimated that globally, about 8 million tonnes of plastic waste enters the oceans every year. Plastic Waste harms wildlife, destroys habitats and fisheries, contaminates the food chain, and poses risks to our health and coastal communities.
Canada set a target to reduce 50% of total waste by 2040 which includes plastics. As a G7 country, we signed onto a global commitment to eliminate plastic waste by moving towards 100% reusable, recyclable, or recoverable plastics by 2030. To reach these targets and for the health of our communities and our environment, immediate action is necessary from all levels of government, businesses and individuals.
In Newfoundland and Labrador, the province has set a target to reduce 50% of total waste by 2025. This will require tackling sources of waste from disposable plastics, organic matter, and focusing on reusable and efficient waste-separation systems.
The following commitments are designed as targets that we can all work towards. These actionable items are listed based on the research conducted by AHOI within the Gros Morne region.