Mandate the Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS) to Adopt a Sustainable Package Return Program
Mandate the Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS) to Adopt a Sustainable Package Return Program
The Issue
As someone deeply concerned about inadequate resource management in our socio-economic systems, I am disturbed by the excessive waste from plastic bags and containers in Ontario’s cannabis sector. This waste contributes significantly to a variety of global environmental impacts. To rectify this, the industry must standardize plastic (or glass) containers that can be reused by producers.
We are calling on the Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS) and the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) to reform its packaging standards and adopt a bring-back program for empty cannabis containers.
We propose a system similar to that of the Ontario Deposit Return Program (ODRP) utilized in the alcohol industry. By charging a small deposit on each container, the industry can incentivize consumers to bring back their empties. Replicating this system in the Ontario cannabis industry would significantly reduce plastic waste and promote the cannabis industry as a leader in responsible waste disposal.
According to the Government of Canada, only 9% of the 3 million tonnes of plastic waste thrown out by Canadians every year is recycled, while the rest ends up in landfills, the environment, or waste-to-energy facilities (source: Government of Canada). The cannabis sector is contributing significantly towards this problem with its current packaging practices, which do not align with consumer values.
Furthermore, empty vape cartridges should be considered for a responsible disposal program given their non-recyclable materials and the environmental implications of excess oil leaking out of a cartridge in a landfill (source: Togo Weed).
By adopting sustainable practices such as standardizing reusable materials and implementing a container return program like ODRP, the OCS can make a significant contribution towards reducing plastic pollution. This approach can also save companies money on materials costs and may inspire other provinces to adopt a similar system.
Join me in advocating for sustainable change by signing this petition today. Together we can push for reforms that will lead us towards an environmentally conscious future.
1,741
The Issue
As someone deeply concerned about inadequate resource management in our socio-economic systems, I am disturbed by the excessive waste from plastic bags and containers in Ontario’s cannabis sector. This waste contributes significantly to a variety of global environmental impacts. To rectify this, the industry must standardize plastic (or glass) containers that can be reused by producers.
We are calling on the Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS) and the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) to reform its packaging standards and adopt a bring-back program for empty cannabis containers.
We propose a system similar to that of the Ontario Deposit Return Program (ODRP) utilized in the alcohol industry. By charging a small deposit on each container, the industry can incentivize consumers to bring back their empties. Replicating this system in the Ontario cannabis industry would significantly reduce plastic waste and promote the cannabis industry as a leader in responsible waste disposal.
According to the Government of Canada, only 9% of the 3 million tonnes of plastic waste thrown out by Canadians every year is recycled, while the rest ends up in landfills, the environment, or waste-to-energy facilities (source: Government of Canada). The cannabis sector is contributing significantly towards this problem with its current packaging practices, which do not align with consumer values.
Furthermore, empty vape cartridges should be considered for a responsible disposal program given their non-recyclable materials and the environmental implications of excess oil leaking out of a cartridge in a landfill (source: Togo Weed).
By adopting sustainable practices such as standardizing reusable materials and implementing a container return program like ODRP, the OCS can make a significant contribution towards reducing plastic pollution. This approach can also save companies money on materials costs and may inspire other provinces to adopt a similar system.
Join me in advocating for sustainable change by signing this petition today. Together we can push for reforms that will lead us towards an environmentally conscious future.
1,741
The Decision Makers
Petition created on November 11, 2023