NDP MLA Michele Babchuk says new Indigenous-led projects will help tackle plastic waste
PORT HARDY – New Democrat MLA Michele Babchuk says new funding for Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nations will help the community to tackle plastic waste.
“Reducing plastic waste is one of the many ways we can reduce our impact on the land and water,” says Michele Babchuk, MLA for North Island. “This funding to improve the Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nations recycling system will not only be great for the environment, but will also improve the community’s capacity to host events and celebrations.”
Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nation will receive $133,415 to reduce and process plastic waste within the community. Recycling sorting bins will be installed in common buildings, and reusable dishes and a commercial dishwasher will be available for community events.
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