
In Canada, the federal government is going to ban the use of plastics. Plastic bags used in grocery stores are also covered by the ban.
Federal Environment Minister Jonathan Wilkins made the announcement in Ottawa on Wednesday morning. The ban is expected to take effect early next year.
Prohibited plastic items include grocery bags, plastic cutlery, tea or coffee stirring sticks, straws, plastic food packaging, plastic rings in packs.
Asked by reporters whether the government's decision would cause problems for restaurants with take-out services, Environment Minister Jonathan said the government had taken the decision considering the plastics as harmful to the environment. Businesses, including restaurants, need to find alternatives to plastic.
He added that as part of the effort to reach the goal of zero plastic waste by 2030, the federal government is also setting new standards for other plastic items. In this case, the plastic items should have a minimum amount of recycled material.
It should be noted that many countries have decided to gradually stop the use of plastics in view of climate change and the environment in the world.