Thank you for supporting the Single-Use Item Bylaw! Without your advocacy, Edmonton would not have the comprehensive, multi-dimensional restrictions we’ll soon see in 2023. Stay tuned for new initiatives and ways to further waste reduction in Edmonton.
Support the Proposed Single-Use Item Bylaw!
Waste Free Edmonton has been advocating for a comprehensive single-use item bylaw in Edmonton since January 2018. While it has been a long road, we are now in the final stretch. On October 4, 2022, Edmonton City Council is holding a Public Hearing to discuss the single-use item Bylaw that has been drafted by City Administration. While the proposed Bylaw does not reflect all of recommendations contained in WFE’s proposed framework, it is nonetheless tailored, well thought out, and reasonable. Most importantly, we believe that it will have a real and substantial impact on the reduction of waste in Edmonton. As such, we are asking that you please consider voicing your support for City Council to implement the bylaw as drafted.
What can you do?
- Email your Councillor and ask that they vote “yes” that Bylaw 20117 be enacted as law in Edmonton. To send an email, click on your Ward name at the bottom of this page, and a draft email will be automatically generated for you (please feel free to personalise it). If you aren’t sure who your Councilor is for your Ward, find out here.
- Sign up to speak at the Public Hearing on October 4, 2022. To do so, click here, then go to the “Request to Speak” button near the bottom of the page. Fill in the form, indicating that you wish to speak in support of item 3.16 on the agenda – Bylaw 20117 – Single-Use Items. Don’t feel that you need to prepare a lengthy presentation; just let Council know why you support the Bylaw, and ask them to implement it into law.
For more information:
- The Agenda for the October 4, 2022 Public Hearing is here.
- The Report to Council concerning the proposed Bylaw is here.
- The proposed Bylaw is here.
- Information about the reusable cup portion of the proposed Bylaw is here.
Green Recovery
Waste Free Edmonton is a non-profit grassroots organization focusing on local waste issues, but waste cannot be addressed in isolation. We must tackle our waste problem in a systemic and holistic manner. That means recognizing that our waste problem is interconnected with numerous other environmental, human health, and social justice issues. Waste is not just an environmental problem – it is a human health, social justice and economic problem as well! For example, the way we create and “manage” waste can have negative impacts on human health (hello microplastics!), often disproportionately and inequitably impact the health and safety of marginalized populations, and can be an economic burden. That means that when we consider solutions to our waste problem, we should think about whether those solutions support or hamper efforts to address other related human health, social justice and economic issues. We can address waste-related issues in a way that advances those other important issues. COVID-19 provides an opportunity to step back and find new and creative solutions that are intersectional and advance multiple priorities at the same time, including ensuring safety, security, and wellness for all.
Other organizations are pushing our elected officials to prioritize a equitable, green recovery. We’ve signed on — please visit the organizations below and add your own signature.
Write Your MLA
As important as it is to contact our local councillors with our thoughts and demands on waste, some topics on waste require reaching out to your provincial officials. From implementing a progressive extended producer responsibility program to ensuring our waterways are free of microplastics and industrial waste, your MLA is the best person to contact for issues that affect all of Alberta.
Find your MLA at this website. https://streetkey.elections.ab.ca/
Business Templates
Support A Business
Not every business does waste reduction the same way, but all ways to reduce waste are appreciated. Letting your favourite business know how you feel about the choices they make to reduce waste helps encourage sustainable thinking, promotes corporate social responsibility, and spreads gratitude. Whether it’s a Twitter DM or an email to their business, a quick message of support is all that’s needed. The best messages are personal, so we can’t provide templates for every business, but we have some tips:
- Have you made shopping at this business a routine?
- How do you feel leaving a store that has encouraged sustainable shopping?
- Has a store/restaurant introduced you to a waste free idea you weren’t previously aware of?
- Have you told family or friends about this store/restaurant?
- How has your experience at this store affected your shopping decisions elsewhere?
- Have you noticed a reduction in the waste you generate?
