Single-use Item Reduction Plan

Utility Committee received a report that said Edmontonians throw out an average of 450 million single-use items annually including shopping bags, takeout containers, cups, utensils, straws, etc. The plan proposes a 10% reduction of single-use items within 2 years of implementation, and a 20% reduction within 4 years with a focus on elimination of unnecessary single-use items. 

I spoke during the committee meeting about how we need to shift from placing the responsibility solely on individuals. We need to look for opportunities to redesign our products and systems to minimize waste such as excessive packaging. Individual action is meaningful yet we can’t lose sight of the systems that need to change to reduce waste at the source. 

I’ll happily support the single-use item reduction plan when it comes to Council as an initial step in waste reduction. I heard from many community members that this is a step in the right direction and look forward to supporting the actions in the plan including a Bylaw that will be drafted this year. 

CLICK HERE TO READ THE SINGLE-USE ITEM REDUCTION PLAN THAT WAS PRESENTED TO COMMITTEE IN MARCH 2022.