A new poll commissioned by international advocacy organisation Oceana Canada has revealed that the ban on single-use plastics in Canada continues to receive robust support from the public.
The poll, conducted by Abacus Data, showed that 82% of Canadians endorse the 18-month-old legislation on single-use plastics such as checkout bags, straws, and takeout containers.
This support transcends political affiliations, age demographics, and provincial boundaries, showcasing a united front in addressing environmental concerns.
As per the poll, gender differences in support for the ban were marginal, with 84% of women and 80% of men in favour of the ban.
Regionally, 72% of residents in Alberta backed the ban and Quebec at a high of 92%.
The poll also revealed that 82% of Canadians harbour concerns about the human health impacts of plastics.
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The Oceana Canada poll also indicates that 82% of residents over the age of 60 and 85% under 30 years of age are concerned with the potential impact.
The health implications of plastics are increasingly alarming, with links to serious conditions such as cancers, infertility, and heart disease.
Oceana Canada senior plastics campaigner Anthony Merante said: “Canadians from coast to coast to coast have adapted to the ban on single-use plastics and seen the benefits. Canadians expect serious and practical action from the government to reduce waste and ensure products and systems are truly circular, safe, and of good quality.”
The organisation is urging the country’s national government and political parties to make plastic pollution a priority, calling for an end to the sale of non-recyclable plastic packaging.
“Retailers have been promising this for years without action, and we cannot continue to burden a failing system. Moving to materials that do get recycled and systems that reuse materials is both cost-effective and better for the planet,” Merante added.
