June 23, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MLA Cynthia Dunsford to Seek New Policy for Plastic Bags

Stratford, PE - Cynthia Dunsford, MLA for District 6, Stratford-Kinlock, today announced her intention to ask government to consider implementing a new policy regarding the use of plastic bags.

“This is fundamentally an environmental issue,” said Ms. Dunsford. “Every year, traditional plastic carry bags cause the deaths of thousands of marine creatures and birds. Equally as destructive is the fact that plastic bags are made from petroleum products, which harms the environment in both their manufacturing and their decomposition. Given the strides Prince Edward Island is making towards becoming more environmentally responsible, I believe this is an issue that warrants consideration by government.”

Ms. Dunsford has asked that the issue be placed on the agenda of an upcoming meeting of the Standing Committee on the Environment.

Canadians bring back home from shopping an average of 200 plastic bags annually, says the Canadian Plastics Industry Association. Globally, 500 billion plastic bags are used, but only a small fraction are recycled.

The Island Waste Management Corporation currently recycles plastic carry bags through its Waste Watch program, which is an effective method of diverting the bags from the regular waste stream. However, reducing the number of bags used would provide significant environmental benefits.

Several other jurisdictions in North America and Europe have imposed reduction strategies regarding the use of plastic bags.

“I have heard from many of my constituents who believe that this is an issue that should be looked at. In doing so, government and Islanders alike will strengthen their environmental commitment, which will in turn help to fight global warming. It’s small steps such as these that can bring about major benefits, both for our local communities and our world as a whole,” said Ms. Dunsford.

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