Tackling plastic pollution at Parks Canada

Marine debris, including plastic waste, is a serious threat to our oceans, lakes and rivers.

Animals can get tangled in garbage or try to eat it, with deadly consequences. Microplastics (tiny bits of plastic less than 5 millimetres in size) can be consumed by small organisms and spread throughout the food chain.

Like climate change, plastic pollution is a global problem and requires action at all levels.

What is plastic pollution?

A significant amount of plastic pollution comes from the items we use, and throw away, every day – plastic bags, beverage bottles, food packaging, etc.

Over 8 million tonnes of plastic flow into the ocean every year. That’s like dumping one garbage truck full of plastic into the ocean every minute.

Microplastics: more than a drop in the ocean.

The problem with plastic...

...is that it doesn’t go away.

Some plastics are thought to stay in the environment for up to 1,000 years. During this time, they break down into smaller and smaller pieces but don’t completely disappear.

There is evidence that these small pieces of plastic, or microplastics, can be harmful when spread throughout the food chain - and can even enter our bodies through the food we eat!

The problem with plastic...

...is that it doesn’t go away.

Some plastics are thought to stay in the environment for up to 1,000 years. During this time, they break down into smaller and smaller pieces but don’t completely disappear.

There is evidence that these small pieces of plastic, or microplastics, can be harmful when spread throughout the food chain - and can even enter our bodies through the food we eat!

The five most common items collected in Canada’s shoreline cleanups

Source: The Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup 2020

Ways to reduce plastics on your visit:

• Join a shoreline cleanup at one of the national parks, historic sites, marine conservation areas, or national urban park administered by Parks Canada
• Check out reusable products available on Parks Canada Shop
• Take along reusable dishware (including cutlery, water bottles and mugs)
• Buy products that minimize plastic packaging
• Avoid single-use plastics such as plastic bags, coffee cups, drinking straws, stir sticks, etc.
• Dispose of your garbage properly – and recycle any plastic you can

Join other Canadians talking about plastic pollution

  #BeatPlasticPollution