Plastic no more? The Case for Innovation and Change

Last week they Federal Court of Canada overturned the Canada's ban on single use plastics. The rationale: deeming the policy “unreasonable and unconstitutional.” It went on to say “There is no reasonable apprehension that all listed Plastic Manufactured Items are harmful,”

Now, to be clear: plastic is harmful to people and planet. If humanity could live for thousands of years without, and even up to the the 1950s, then surely we don't "need" it. However, there are two key considerations: the petrochemical industry doesn't want it to go away as it has massive economic benefit for them. Second, in 70 short years we have become incredible reliant on plastic, and often for good reasons like the global movement of products and produce.

So, how do we reconcile this situation? I have a few thoughts I'd like to share:

First, let's map a phasing out of plastics. Other countries, including the UK, Japan, France Norway, and others have been able to move toward bans as they focus on specific use cases first. So, we should map use cases according to easy of banning (like straws) in the short term, and map to a plan for more complicated cases (like cross border movement of produce)

Second, let's fund the innovators who are developing substitutes. At a recent CDL-Atlantic event, an awarding winning idea was presented that combines nitrogen with phosphorus to create a true plastic substitute. Bioform Technologies from Victoria BC is another great example. Canadian innovation to both solve a problem and make the lives of Canadians better.

Third, let's invite the petrochemical companies into the innovation. If care companies can move to hybrid and EV, if food companies can move to organic and plant based, then these firms can adapt - even in a reasonably short period of time - to change their product mix and their model to respond to customer needs in a way that is sustainable. The world can't be sustainable if we continue to produce plastic at currently levels, but it doesn't mean these firms can't thrive in new paradigms as we will still need packaging and protective coverings. They just need to respond to what we now know we need.

Fourth, we need to have the courage to do what is right for our society and our planet. But humanity has taught us the way forward is not antagonism, but collaboration and cooperation. We can't have the economic interests of a few create lasting negative impact on all of Canada.

Fifth, let's be smarter about how all levels of government can help to regulate, incentivize, and organization the transition in conjunction with the people and the companies.

Lastly, let's acknowledge a complete ban on plastics today is not perfect - not by any means. This BBC article by axelle parriaux highlights several trade-offs. Yet, we need to dig in, start now where we can, and drive to lasting change with innovation and urgency.