Canada's Federal Plastics Registry: Tracking the Life Cycle of Plastics

Andrew Lewin discusses the Canadian government's efforts to tackle plastic pollution. He explains that the government has implemented a ban on certain single-use plastics and is now planning to create a federal plastics registry. The registry will require companies to track and report their plastic production, as well as the lifecycle of their products.

This will help to hold companies accountable for their plastic waste and move Canada towards a circular economy for plastics. Andrew highlights the importance of tracking and managing plastics, as the majority of plastic waste in Canada ends up in landfills or the natural environment. He also discusses the potential economic impact of the registry on companies. 

Overall, Andrew believes that the federal plastics registry is an important tool for addressing plastic pollution and encourages listeners to share their thoughts on the issue.

Link to article: https://www.ctvnews.ca/climate-and-environment/feds-open-plastics-registry-consultations-in-move-to-eventually-track-waste-1.6708502

The Canadian federal government has taken a significant step towards addressing plastic pollution by calling for the establishment of a plastics registry. This registry aims to track the companies and types of plastics they produce, as well as monitor their lifecycle within the marketplace and their final destinations after use. The purpose of this registry is to regulate plastics more effectively and reduce plastic pollution in Canada.

Plastic pollution is a pressing issue that affects not only Canada but also the entire world. Plastics have permeated every part of the ocean, with microplastics found in both surface and deep-sea waters. This widespread pollution has harmful effects on marine animals, water chemistry, and human health. Recognizing the severity of the problem, various countries, including Canada, have been implementing policies and regulations to control plastic production and usage.

The Canadian government's efforts to tackle plastic pollution began in 2018 when they announced plans to ban certain single-use plastics, such as straws, utensils, and coffee stir sticks. These bans are being phased in gradually, and by 2022, these items will no longer be allowed to be imported, exported, or produced in Canada. These bans were made possible by classifying plastics as toxins under the Canadian Protections Act, giving the government the authority to regulate them.

However, a recent court ruling challenged the classification of plastics as toxins, but the ban remains in place while the government appeals the ruling. In the meantime, the government is moving forward with the creation of a federal plastics registry. This registry will require companies to track and report their plastic production, providing valuable data on the amount and types of plastics being produced. It will also monitor the lifecycle of these plastics, from production to disposal, and identify any gaps or missing information.

The registry will be implemented in phases, with some sectors, such as packaging and electrical equipment, required to report their plastic production first. Other sectors, like agriculture and textiles, will follow suit at a later date. The registry will collect information on plastics placed on the market, plastics collected for diversion, reuse, remanufacturing, repair, recycling, and recovery for energy. This comprehensive approach will enable a better understanding of the entire lifecycle of plastics and help identify areas for improvement.

Plastics have become a major pollution problem, with microplastics found throughout the ocean, affecting animals, water chemistry, and human health. The episode highlights that plastic pollution has reached a critical level, with plastics being present in every part of the ocean. This is concerning because the ocean covers over 70% of the planet, and the presence of plastics is negatively impacting marine life and ecosystems.

Plastics are lightweight and cheap to ship, which has led to their widespread use by companies and brands. However, the episode emphasizes that the health implications of plastics are not favorable. Plastics can leach harmful chemicals into drinks and food when they are ingested, posing risks to human health. Additionally, the decomposition of plastics in landfills releases gases and chemicals into the atmosphere, contributing to environmental pollution.

The episode also highlights the issues with plastic recycling. While people are encouraged to recycle plastics, it is revealed that plastic water bottles, for example, can only be recycled once or twice before they break down and cannot be effectively recycled anymore. This has led to a recycling problem, with a majority of plastic waste ending up in landfills, incinerators, or directly in the natural environment.

To address the plastic pollution crisis, the Canadian federal government has taken steps to regulate plastics and decrease plastic pollution. They have implemented a ban on certain single-use plastics and are working towards a circular economy for plastics. The government is also in the process of developing a federal plastics registry, which will require companies to track and report their plastic production. This registry aims to make companies accountable for their plastic waste and encourage proper disposal and recycling practices.

The episode emphasizes the importance of the federal plastics registry in tracking the lifecycle of plastics and understanding where they end up after use. By making this information publicly accessible, Canadians and businesses can be informed about the environmental consequences of different types of plastics and put pressure on companies to be more responsible for their plastic waste. The registry is seen as a crucial tool in improving regulations and reducing plastic pollution.

Overall, the episode highlights the urgent need to address plastic pollution and the importance of tracking and regulating plastic production and usage. The establishment of a federal plastics registry in Canada is a significant step towards achieving these goals. By gathering comprehensive data on plastic production and monitoring its lifecycle, the government can implement more effective policies and regulations to reduce plastic pollution and move towards a circular economy for plastics.