Canada to ban single-use plastics by end of 2021 - Global Times

The Canadian government announced Wednesday that it is moving to ban single-use plastics for environmental protection by the end of 2021.

Canadian Environment and Climate Change Minister Jonathan Wilkinson unveiled the list of to-be-banned single-use plastics, which include grocery checkout bags, straws, stir sticks, six-pack rings, cutlery and food takeout containers.

Wilkinson said the ban is needed because of the "significant harm" plastics is causing to wildlife and Canada's coastlines. In Canada, he said, only nine percent of the plastics that is thrown out is recycled. The ban is one element of a broader plan to reach zero plastic waste by 2030.