Petition Title:

Ban Single-Use Plastics at Vancouver Festivals and Public Events

Petition Summary:

Let’s reduce plastic waste in our city. Urge the City of Vancouver and event organizers to ban single-use plastic cutlery, cups, straws, and packaging at public festivals, markets, and events held in city parks and streets.

Petition Description:

Who is impacted?

Every summer, tens of thousands of Vancouver residents and visitors attend outdoor festivals, farmers markets, and public events throughout the city. These events bring people together, but they also leave behind an enormous trail of plastic waste. Single-use items like plastic cutlery, cups, straws, and takeout containers are often left behind in our parks, tossed in overflowing bins, or blown into the ocean. This directly harms our local beaches and wildlife, and clogs landfills for generations.

What is at stake?

If we fail to act, Vancouver’s green reputation and the health of our environment will continue to suffer. The long-term impacts of plastic pollution are clear: beaches and green spaces will continue to be polluted, toxic microplastics will accumulate in our water, and marine life will be seriously harmed. But if we take action, we can significantly reduce waste, protect local ecosystems, and create cleaner, more enjoyable public spaces for everyone — without sacrificing the joy of summer events.

Why is now the time to act?

Vancouver has committed to becoming a zero-waste city, yet public events remain a major gap in that commitment. With climate change and pollution worsening every year, we need immediate action — especially as organizers begin planning for upcoming festivals and markets. By making changes now, the City and event hosts can set a new standard for sustainability before another summer passes us by.

We, the undersigned, call on:

• The City of Vancouver, and
• Local event organizers (e.g., Vancouver Farmers Markets, Car Free Day, Khatsahlano Festival, etc.

to implement and enforce a ban on single-use plastic items — including plastic cutlery, cups, straws, and polystyrene containers — at all public events and markets held on city property.

Instead, we urge the following:

• A shift towards reusable, compostable, or recyclable alternatives.
• Incentives for vendors to adopt zero-waste practices.
• Refillable water stations and clearly labeled waste sorting bins at every event site.

Let’s protect what makes Vancouver beautiful. Join us in reducing waste, protecting local ecosystems, and a more sustainable city — one festival at a time.

Sign this petition to demand action now and help build a cleaner, greener future for Vancouver.