The city of Edmonton  implemented a 25¢ fee for every bag used in restaurants and stores.    

This fee was intended to support environmental initiatives, but there's no evidence that any of the collected fees will actually benefit the environment. INSTEAD, this policy merely increases business revenue while disguising it as an environmental action.

Businesses have already accounted for packaging and material costs in their pricing, and now they stand to gain extra profits at the expense of consumers. 

Many people in Edmonton are conscientious about the environment and are willing to pay extra if they know it's going towards a genuine cause.

However, this fee does NOT contribute to any environmental fund or program, nor does it incentivize businesses to reduce their plastic usage.       Instead, it capitalizes on the growing environmental consciousness without providing the promised environmental benefits. 

Data show that fees like these often do not result in reduced plastic usage unless they are coupled with strict governmental regulations and are used to fund tangible environmental projects. For example, in regions where plastic bag fees have successfully reduced usage, the funds collected were mandated to support recycling programs or community cleanup initiatives.

We propose that the city of Edmonton either redirect the proceeds from this fee into meaningful environmental efforts or eliminate the fee altogether.

Citizens deserve transparency and assurance that their money is truly aiding in environmental conservation. We urge city officials to reconsider this policy and align it with sustainable practices that genuinely benefit the environment.

Join us in challenging this ineffective policy and demanding accountability from businesses and the city. It's time to ensure that policies labeled as environmentally friendly genuinely serve their purpose. Sign this petition to remove the 2023/2024 bag fee in Edmonton or refocus it towards bona fide environmental efforts.

** Chart calculations are based on average percentage estimates using Edmonton statistics and may fluctuate week to week. This information is intended to provide a general estimate of the proportion of revenue some restaurants may be earning as a result of the city bylaw introduced in 2024

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