Ocean Wise is initiating a new program in Squamish and beyond in an effort to help food and beverage businesses across Canada reduce their use of unnecessary plastics.
The Ocean Wise Plastic Reduction Program pairs experts with Squamish businesses to help them identify ways to reduce their plastic usage and help businesses get ahead of upcoming bylaws or regulations.
“Every year, there’s about 13 million tonnes of plastic that’s leaking into the ocean,” said Squamish’s Jeff Wint, the manager of the Plastic Reduction Program. “By 2040, that’s going to increase to about 29 million tonnes, so that is way too much plastic going into the ocean.”
The focus on the food and beverage industry comes from Ocean Wise data that found six out of the 12 most common types of litter found on shorelines or marine environments came from the food and beverage industry. This included items such as food wrappers, bottle caps, beverage cans, straws and more. Additionally, in 2021, personal protective equipment — like gloves or masks — also made the top 12.
“What we want to do is really meet a business where it is,” said Wint. “So this program isn’t just for the businesses that have already been working on this and are way down the pathway.”
“If you don’t know where to start, we can help you from there. You don’t need to come to us with a whole plan already in mind.
The process, Wint said, starts with several audits that examine how much plastic is being brought in through purchases as well as how much plastic is going out through waste. Together, Ocean Wise experts and the business will then come up with a plan of ways to reduce the use of plastics altogether or replace them with compostable alternatives.
And Wint emphasized that the program isn’t meant to be a one-time fix-all, rather it is a process that businesses will continue to alter and improve over time.
“Things are changing a lot in plastic and packaging,” said Wint. “So what might be the best alternative today, in 18 months or two years, might not be that best alternative anymore.”
As such, Ocean Wise will brand these businesses with a badge that signifies that they are actively trying their best to reduce their unnecessary plastics.
Just a few days into the launch of the new program and there are already 18 businesses that have signed up across Canada with a few others who have shown interest, said Wint. By 2025, Ocean Wise hopes to be working with 250 businesses.
For more information about the program or for businesses interested in seeking advice, go to Ocean.org/Join_PRP.
