NDP MLA Jennifer Rice says new Indigenous-led projects will help tackle plastic waste
LAX KLAN – New Democrat MLA Jennifer Rice says new funding for Gitxaala Nation will help the community to tackle plastic waste.
“I know this funding will make a positive impact on the Gitxaała Nation, and on the rest of the province who have so much to learn from First Nations about sustainability,” says Jennifer Rice, MLA for North Coast. “Not only will this project cut down on single-use plastic, but will improve community events and the distribution of meals.”
Gitxaała Nation will receive $320,000 to expand their existing reuse and recycling facility, and pilot methods to eliminate single-use containers. This will include a commercial dishwasher and storage, allowing reusable containers and bags to be used for take-out and delivery services.
The BC New Democrat government is providing more than $1.3 million to eight Indigenous-led projects across the province. Through the CleanBC Plastics Action Fund, the Indigenous-led projects will establish new ways of processing and reusing post-consumer plastics, promote reusables, educate community members, and create local jobs.
Reducing plastic waste will also help Indigenous communities to preserve and protect their traditional lands and waters from plastic pollution.
The Plastics Action Fund promotes a circular economy by encouraging innovative uses of recycled post-consumer plastics, and the prevention of plastic waste at the source through reuse and the use of alternative materials. To date, more than $12.5 million in funding has been granted to 23 projects. This supports the CleanBC Plastics Action Plan’s goal of changing how plastic is designed and used – from temporary and disposable to durable and reusable.
Other CleanBC Plastics Action Plan strategies to support a circular economy for plastics include supporting municipal bans on single-use plastics, expanding producer-funded recycling programs and funding the largest shoreline cleanup of ocean plastics in provincial history through the Clean Coast, Clean Waters initiative.
Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/29850