A seemingly never ending stream of plastics news
By Jane McArthur, Toxics Program Director
Recent media coverage on plastic points to the growing body of research connecting adverse health outcomes and environmental injustice with exposure to plastics throughout their lifecycle, from concerns about recycled plastic kitchen utensils containing harmful toxic chemicals, to the discovery of microplastics in the brain, and the injustice of disproportionate exposure by racialized and Indigenous communities located near plastic producing and incineration facilities.
Life in plastic is NOT fantastic! The newstream on this is seemingly never ending.
Given the trend in plastic production — 460 million tonnes of new plastic are made each year, production is rising and the plastics industry is the fastest-growing source of global industrial greenhouse gasses (GHGs) – we are facing a real health crisis! Our current ways of living with plastic simply have to change, and governments must take immediate action for human and environmental health protection and environmental justice.
CAPE continues to call on the Government of Canada to take action at home and in its role in securing a Global Plastics Treaty. Commitments must include:
- a just and equitable treaty and national policies that respect human rights
- limiting the global production of plastics
- eliminating unnecessary plastic products
- prioritizing the prohibition of hazardous chemicals of concern
- prioritizing immediate action to address people most vulnerable ro exposures
- ensuring that businesses respect the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment
On September 20, 2024, CAPE joined Aamjiwnaang First Nation and environmental and health groups in a letter urging Minister Guilbeault to lead the fight against plastic pollution on the global stage. With the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 79) and New York Climate Week happening the week of September 22, 2024, the Canadian government had a crucial opportunity to lead on this critical health and justice issue.
Minister Guilbeauilt issued a statement, but production commitments were missing. Fortunately, there is another opportunity to fulfill this responsibility in the coming months. The fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution (INC-5), is scheduled to take place from November 25th to December 1st, 2024 in Busan, Republic of Korea. Two CAPE affiliated physicians are planning to attend along with some of our ENGO allies, to share our calls to action and report back on what they are learning and observing while there.
Together, we can hold the Government of Canada accountable for protecting our health and upholding justice by committing to limits on the production of plastic and actions to address toxic additives phthalates, bisphenols, PFAS, flame retardants, and heavy metals in plastics. Life can be fantastic WITHOUT so much plastic!
Please visit the plastics section on the CAPE website – and send your letter to key Ministers responsible for action on plastics in Canada by clicking here!