1

Political Engagement Activity | Global Politics

How and to what extent do regional efforts against single-use plastics contribute to

environmental sustainability?

Word Count: 1965

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Table Of Contents

Introduction ………………………………………………………………….…....3

Engagement………………………………………………………………………..4

Analysis……………………………………………………………………………6

Conclusion.………………………………………………………………………..10

Bibliography………………………………………………………………………11
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The consequences of permitting plastic manufacturers to mass produce single-use plastics

have threatened environmental sustainability. As plastics take hundreds of years to degrade, they

tarnish the sustainability of our planet. Municipalities in Canada are eagerly fighting for power to

create significant change by implementing bylaws for this issue. Recently, the Canadian

government has overturned its ruling of classifying plastics as toxic1. Resulting in the issue’s

urgency to decrease, and municipalities having to deal with the repercussions since they are at

the forefront of this issue2.

Federal governments are struggling to understand the need for rapid and comprehensive

solutions to vast plastic pollution. Simultaneously, citizens need to collectively agree to follow

procedures for better results in sustainability. Canada produces a large amount of plastics, of

which consumers and industries recycle less than 10%3. This issue leads me to take action and

inquire, “How and to what extent do regional efforts against single-use plastics contribute to

environmental sustainability?”

I always connected with discussions on the health and sustainability of the earth back in

elementary school. There are always news reports about large organizations creating initiatives to

combat similar political challenges. This inspired me to take initiatives of my own, but on a

regional level. In the past, I have raised awareness and even took part in creating a positive

difference for local pollution. Since Grade 8, I have hosted various cleanups and even started a

collaborative organization as part of an active citizen assignment in the MYP civics course. A

1
Stober, Eric. “The Federal Court Just Overturned Ottawa’s Single-Use Plastic Ban - National.” Global News,
November 18, 2023. https://globalnews.ca/news/10096664/plastic-ban-overturned-court/.
2
Morgan, Rachel. “Could Municipalities Be the Key to Curtailing Plastics?: Brampton Considers Single-Use Ban as
Ottawa Fights to Keep Its in Place.” The Pointer, February 8, 2024.
https://thepointer.com/article/2024-02-08/could-municipalities-be-the-key-to-curtailing-plastics-brampton-considers-
single-use-ban-as-ottawa-fights-to-keep-its-in-place.
3
“Plastic Waste and Pollution Reduction.” Government of Canada, April 14, 2023.
https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/managing-reducing-waste/reduce-plastic-waste.html
.
 4

group of friends and I created an online platform in search of like-minded volunteers to upscale

our cleanups around the neighborhood. To add, we contacted the local Ward members for the

implementation of more recycling bins at bus stands because we specifically pointed out more

garbage around those areas. However, small initiatives can only do so much, and there is a

greater need for government intervention because, as Harikat Singh said, “We can do as many

community cleanups as we want, but it's just never enough4.”

Plastic pollution emerges as a pressing political issue that requires more action at the

core. Hence, I want to look at the environmental sustainability in the local region through my

engagements, which involve communicating and learning about different aspects of the issue. I

have witnessed government realism, interdependence, and feminism between people and

corporations through; knocking door-to-door, raising awareness in the community, and proposing

solutions to city hall.

Engagement

For my first action activity, I went canvassing around my community. The goal was to

have personal conversations with residents to gather insights into their opinions on single-use

plastics and their impact on our environment. I came prepared with a set of questions that would

spike their interest as it relates to their own daily lives. Some topics included; awareness of the

environmental impact, their current usage habits, and their willingness to adopt alternatives.

Throughout this engagement I had my ups and downs, given the location of my

community. Many people had conservative views and did not want to engage in discussion or in

support of reducing plastic pollution. Although, I did get the chance to meet with someone who

4
Morgan, Rachel. “Could Municipalities Be the Key to Curtailing Plastics?: Brampton Considers Single-Use Ban as
Ottawa Fights to Keep Its in Place.” The Pointer, February 8, 2024.
https://thepointer.com/article/2024-02-08/could-municipalities-be-the-key-to-curtailing-plastics-brampton-considers-
single-use-ban-as-ottawa-fights-to-keep-its-in-place.
 5

had worked with Ocean Wise Shoreline Cleanup5. While talking about the issue, they came

across the idea of having incentive programs in our municipality that encourage residents to

collect recyclables for appropriate disposal.

For a more focused discussion, I hosted an awareness event at my local community

center on the implications of single-use plastics. This required me to present some material for a

more tailored discussion to follow. During the presentation, I shared information on government

initiatives, local practices, the consequences of our actions, and their environmental impacts. I

noticed that many of the people were already knowledgeable or actively participating in the

issue, hence providing an engaged audience.

From my discussion, I understood their concerns, attitudes, and perceptions regarding

plastic pollution. The majority of attendees were a part of the young adult age, which drove the

idea of sustainability because they are most affected by this issue. It made the discussion more

personal, and I explained to them the possibility of taking greater initiative and speaking to

people in power.

Leading into my last engagement, I had a meeting with the city council addressing the

issue, and proposing various solutions. This was crucial because they are the ones with the power

and ability to make decisions that can affect multiple industries. Understanding how government

representatives conduct conferences for environmental issues was a new experience, and I

learned a lot.

Sometimes people wonder why governments, with all their money, do not solve large

issues immediately. I got an insight into this from the city council. I learned the answer to this

was regarding regulatory concerns. An example of this is the classification of plastics and the

5
“Ocean Wise Shoreline Cleanup.” Ocean Wise, November 22, 2023.
https://ocean.org/pollution-plastics/shoreline-cleanup/.
 6

overturning that the federal government made. Municipalities and other leaders are limited in

their policies because they cannot go beyond certain guidelines and make crucial decisions that

are personalized to their region.

It became clear to me that through these engagements, environmental sustainability was

largely known, especially by youth. However, the lack of effort questions the ability for real

change without the interplay of government power.

Analysis

Single-use plastic pollution can be observed through multiple perspectives such as

realism, interdependence, and feminism.

One of the government’s responsibilities is to provide support to citizens for their welfare

and happiness6. This means that creating a sustainable environment should be one of the main

objectives. However, the Canadian government in the last decade has implemented only minor

initiatives in order to protect the land7. Taking a look at the top priorities for the next 50 years,

governments still do not deem environmental sustainability as a need for immediate resolution8.

This is an example of realism, the theory that suggests states act in their self-interest. In this case,

prioritizing economic concerns above environmental needs. Realism shows how some

governments are reluctant to make important decisions that can help significantly improve an

issue but resist due to economic priority. Governments believe that dedicating resources towards

pollution and climate action can be perceived as less economically beneficial in short-term

6
ushistory.org. “Types of Government.” Purposes of Government, March 24, 2024.
https://www.ushistory.org/gov/1a.asp#:~:text=Governments%20provide%20the%20parameters%20for,their%20well
%2Dbeing%20and%20happiness.
7
“Taking Action Together – Canada’s 2021 Annual Report on the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development
Goals.” Canada.ca, August 19, 2022.
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/agenda-2030/taking-action-together.html#sdg1
1.
8
Light, Paul C. “Government’s Greatest Priorities of the Next Half Century.” Brookings, December 1, 2001.
https://www.brookings.edu/articles/governments-greatest-priorities-of-the-next-half-century/.
 7

goals9. Many Canadians believe that saving the environment is a major concern, and

governments acknowledge this issue. However, they are limited to vast change because of

ongoing global affairs and are fixated on solutions like a carbon tax10. The irony lies in that,

realists push for economic prosperity but, if there is no environment left to protect, what is the

use of having a strong and growing economy? It shows how humans are self-fish and

competitive in nature11, leading to consequences for future generations.

The question of realism in governments of different levels was raised when I discussed

the challenges of combating global issues with the city council. I presented to them a possible

solution involving household incentives. These could include tax or cash rebates which can be

spent on everyday items in the community as ‘green’ money. Additionally, the city can partner

with corporations that receive promotions, and in return offer discounts for efficient families.

Third, cities can open plastic collection centers and when families bring back a certain amount,

they are drawn into a raffle or lottery. Unfortunately, most of this was dismissed through

regulatory restrictions and because it was easier to claim financial development as a bigger

priority than to thoroughly evaluate a feasible solution.

During my engagement with the local neighborhood, I realized that individuals help in

any way they can like the man who worked with OWSC, an organization that uses its resources

for positive change. Similarly, governments have their initiatives and bylaws that make some

contributions to reversing plastic pollution. This highlights the interdependence that

sustainability has through different organizations and government levels.

9
Thomas, Vinod. “The Truth about Climate Action versus Economic Growth.” Brookings, May 3, 2023.
https://www.brookings.edu/articles/the-truth-about-climate-action-versus-economic-growth/.
10
Coates, Ken. “Balancing Economic Development with Environmental Protection: Ken Coates in the National
Post: MacDonald-Laurier Institute.” Macdonald-Laurier Institute, June 20, 2022.
https://macdonaldlaurier.ca/balancing-economic-development-with-environmental-protection-ken-coates-in-the-nati
onal-post/.
11
Bloor, Kevin. “Theories of Global Politics.” E-International Relations, May 15, 2022.
https://www.e-ir.info/2022/05/15/theories-of-global-politics/.
 8

Additionally, the concept of interdependence highlights the connectedness of actors in the

political system; ranging from governments, industries, and civil society organizations. During

my community awareness presentation, I was joined by plastic manufacturing workers who

displayed their concerns for this bylaw and addressed the issues of job security and economic

risks. As this resident raised legitimate concerns, it underscored the interdependence between

economic considerations and environmental protection. Acknowledging the perspective of

plastic manufacturers, we are forced to consider the ethical implications of implementing

government resolutions. It can also have notable economic entanglement as plastic industries in

Ontario contribute to $35 billion and employ 93,000 people in 1,932 businesses12.

After hearing about the concerns that community members had, I analyzed whether

forcing more sustainable practices would inevitably harm the economy. But, the Environment

And Climate Change Canada reported that almost 90% of plastics used by consumers ended up

in landfills or leaked into the environment13. If this continues, the amount of plastics in our

surroundings may only increase.

Furthermore, when I was going around my community canvassing, a mother of a family

greeted me politely and had important perspectives to share. Like how in traditional roles, they

are sometimes the ones dealing with most of the plastic waste management.

Women often bear the burden of environmental hazards, as they are responsible for the

household and caregiving duties, putting them at risk of exposure to toxic plastic chemicals14.

12
Sadeghitabar, Faranak, and Beth-Anne Schuelke-Leech. “Potential Effects of Single Use Plastics Ban on Ontario
Manufacturers.” Mitigating Climate Change Symposium, June 24, 2021.
https://scholar.uwindsor.ca/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=4250&context=etd.
13
Newstex. “Making the Case for a Zero Plastic Waste Economy: Canada Moves to Ban Single-Use Plastics in an
Effort to Reduce Plastic Pollution.” McCarthy Tétrault Blog: Canadian ERA Perspectives; Toronto, July 12, 2019.
https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004322714_cclc_2019-0018-089.
14
Rodenberg, Birte. “Combatting Global Plastic Pollution.” Heinrich Böll Stiftung, 2018.
https://www.boell.de/en/2023/03/14/combatting-global-plastic-pollution#:~:text=A%20critical%20look%20at%20th
e%20entire%20plastics%20cycle%20is%20also,harmful%20microplastics%20in%20cosmetic%20products.
 9

They can offer a unique insight into the issues affecting different parts of plastic pollution,

specifically household plastic items (single-use). This creates the option for targeting the

problem at multiple points. In addition, ecofeminism merges feminism and ecological

movements15. Throughout history, we have also seen indigenous women play a significant role in

environmental stewardship and conservation efforts. Ecofeminism sheds light on dominating

aspects of decision-making16. It develops the idea that perhaps, a more efficient solution can be

created by unheard voices.

Finally, sustainability is the exclamation mark of issues because it has a severe

correlation to our future health and well-being. According to the World Health Organization,

24% of deaths are caused by avoidable environmental factors17. Similar to the hazards that

traditional women face in the household, various parts of the world deal with exposure to the

harmful toxins that make up single-use plastics. Concerns of sustainability go beyond our

day-to-day lives, it expands to the wildlife around us. As one of the people I encountered helped

clean up marine habitats, he expressed the common occurrence of single-use plastics around

shorelines.

An alternative perspective can show that environmental sustainability is not only for

humans but also for the animals we live with. Toxins from these non-recycled plastics end up

polluting the quality of land, air, and water. This poses serious health concerns to animals18. Fish

15
Argüelles, Susana. “Why and How Is The Feminist Movement Related To Environmental Issues?” Plastic Oceans
International, March 8, 2021.
https://plasticoceans.org/why-and-how-is-the-feminist-movement-related-to-environmental-issues/.
16
Ourkiya, Asmae. “Queering Ecofeminism: Towards an Anti-Far-Right Environmentalism.” NiCHE, June 23,
2020. https://niche-canada.org/2020/06/23/queering-ecofeminism-towards-an-anti-far-right-environmentalism/.
17
Team, Sphera’s Editorial. “What Is Environmental Sustainability?” Sphera, May 19, 2020.
https://sphera.com/glossary/what-is-environmental-sustainability/.
18
Evode, Niyitanga, Sarmad Ahmad Qamar, Muhammad Bilal, Damià Barceló, and Hafiz M.N. Iqbal. “Plastic
Waste and Its Management Strategies for Environmental Sustainability.” Science Direct, September 27, 2021.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666016421000645.
 10

are some of the most studied animals that have shown high yields of microplastic indigestion19.

This has a direct impact on the health of humans because over 3 billion people rely on seafood

diets and the chances of some containing harmful microplastics are very high20. Likewise, land

animals also face these severe implications. For instance, a young elephant in India died of

blocked-up intestines causing bleeding and organ failure from plastic ingestion21.

These perspectives help to understand the imperative need to implement stronger policies

and strategies to combat the degradation of the environment. This is essential for protecting

wildlife and ecosystems, as well as safeguarding human health for generations. Recognizing the

interconnectedness of environmental sustainability, human health, and animal welfare

underscores the urgent need for collective action to mitigate the adverse effects of plastic

pollution on our planet.

In the end, challenges of environmental sustainability influence everyone, as individuals

and as members of global politics. While each person has at least once contributed to this issue

of single-use plastics, whether inadvertently or not, it is crucial to recognize that humans do have

the power to enact change. By acknowledging the political concepts that support environmental

issues, people can make informed decisions and advocate for policies to government officials to

prioritize sustainability.

19
Naddaf, Rachelle. “Five Animals Impacted by Plastic Pollution and How You Can Help Protect Them.” Oceana
Canada, July 6, 2022.
https://oceana.ca/en/blog/five-animals-impacted-plastic-pollution-and-how-you-can-help-protect-them/#:~:text=Ten
s%20of%20thousands%20of%20individual,mammals%20like%20whales%20and%20seabirds.
20
Rozsa, Matthew. “Ocean Plastic Pollution Is Filtering up into the Fish That We Eat.” Salon, March 7, 2023.
https://www.salon.com/2023/03/08/microplastics-ocean-fish-seafood/#:~:text=%22According%20to%20the%20UN
%2C%20there,scientific%20journal%20Marine%20Pollution%20Bulletin.
21
Lai, Olivia. “The Detrimental Impacts of Plastic Pollution on Animals.” Earth.Org, March 4, 2024.
https://earth.org/plastic-pollution-animals/#:~:text=Wildlife%20can%20easily%20get%20trapped,%2C%20starvatio
n%2C%20and%20eventual%20death.
 11

Bibliography

Argüelles, Susana. “Why and How Is The Feminist Movement Related To Environmental
Issues?” Plastic Oceans International, March 8, 2021.
https://plasticoceans.org/why-and-how-is-the-feminist-movement-related-to-environmenta
l-issues/.

Bloor, Kevin. “Theories of Global Politics.” E-International Relations, May 15, 2022.
https://www.e-ir.info/2022/05/15/theories-of-global-politics/.

Coates, Ken. “Balancing Economic Development with Environmental Protection: Ken Coates in
the National Post: MacDonald-Laurier Institute.” Macdonald-Laurier Institute, June 20,
2022.
https://macdonaldlaurier.ca/balancing-economic-development-with-environmental-protecti
on-ken-coates-in-the-national-post/.

Evode, Niyitanga, Sarmad Ahmad Qamar, Muhammad Bilal, Damià Barceló, and Hafiz M.N.
Iqbal. “Plastic Waste and Its Management Strategies for Environmental Sustainability.”
Science Direct, September 27, 2021.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666016421000645.

Lai, Olivia. “The Detrimental Impacts of Plastic Pollution on Animals.” Earth.Org, March 4,
2024.
https://earth.org/plastic-pollution-animals/#:~:text=Wildlife%20can%20easily%20get%20t
rapped,%2C%20starvation%2C%20and%20eventual%20death.

Light, Paul C. “Government’s Greatest Priorities of the Next Half Century.” Brookings,
December 1, 2001.
https://www.brookings.edu/articles/governments-greatest-priorities-of-the-next-half-centur
y/.

Morgan, Rachel. “Could Municipalities Be the Key to Curtailing Plastics?: Brampton Considers
Single-Use Ban as Ottawa Fights to Keep Its in Place.” The Pointer, February 8, 2024.
https://thepointer.com/article/2024-02-08/could-municipalities-be-the-key-to-curtailing-pla
stics-brampton-considers-single-use-ban-as-ottawa-fights-to-keep-its-in-place.

Naddaf, Rachelle. “Five Animals Impacted by Plastic Pollution and How You Can Help Protect
Them.” Oceana Canada, July 6, 2022.
https://oceana.ca/en/blog/five-animals-impacted-plastic-pollution-and-how-you-can-help-p
rotect-them/#:~:text=Tens%20of%20thousands%20of%20individual,mammals%20like%2
0whales%20and%20seabirds.

Newstex. “Making the Case for a Zero Plastic Waste Economy: Canada Moves to Ban
Single-Use Plastics in an Effort to Reduce Plastic Pollution.” McCarthy Tétrault Blog:
Canadian ERA Perspectives; Toronto, July 12, 2019.
https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004322714_cclc_2019-0018-089.
 12

Unknown. “Ocean Wise Shoreline Cleanup.” Ocean Wise, November 22, 2023.
https://ocean.org/pollution-plastics/shoreline-cleanup/.

Ourkiya, Asmae. “Queering Ecofeminism: Towards an Anti-Far-Right Environmentalism.”

NiCHE, June 23, 2020.
https://niche-canada.org/2020/06/23/queering-ecofeminism-towards-an-anti-far-right-envir
onmentalism/.

Unknown. “Plastic Waste and Pollution Reduction.” Government of Canada, April 14, 2023.
https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/managing-reducing-waste/
reduce-plastic-waste.html.

Rodenberg, Birte. “Combatting Global Plastic Pollution.” Heinrich Böll Stiftung, 2018.
https://www.boell.de/en/2023/03/14/combatting-global-plastic-pollution#:~:text=A%20crit
ical%20look%20at%20the%20entire%20plastics%20cycle%20is%20also,harmful%20mic
roplastics%20in%20cosmetic%20products.

Rozsa, Matthew. “Ocean Plastic Pollution Is Filtering up into the Fish That We Eat.” Salon,
March 7, 2023.
https://www.salon.com/2023/03/08/microplastics-ocean-fish-seafood/#:~:text=%22Accord
ing%20to%20the%20UN%2C%20there,scientific%20journal%20Marine%20Pollution%2
0Bulletin.

Sadeghitabar, Faranak, and Beth-Anne Schuelke-Leech. “Potential Effects of Single Use Plastics
Ban on Ontario Manufacturers.” Mitigating Climate Change Symposium, June 24, 2021.
https://scholar.uwindsor.ca/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=4250&context=etd.

Stober, Eric. “The Federal Court Just Overturned Ottawa’s Single-Use Plastic Ban - National.”
Global News, November 18, 2023.
https://globalnews.ca/news/10096664/plastic-ban-overturned-court/.

Unknown. “Taking Action Together – Canada’s 2021 Annual Report on the 2030 Agenda and the
Sustainable Development Goals.” Canada.ca, August 19, 2022.
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/agenda-2030/taking-
action-together.html#sdg11.

Team, Sphera’s Editorial. “What Is Environmental Sustainability?” Sphera, May 19, 2020.
https://sphera.com/glossary/what-is-environmental-sustainability/.

Thomas, Vinod. “The Truth about Climate Action versus Economic Growth.” Brookings, May 3,
2023.
https://www.brookings.edu/articles/the-truth-about-climate-action-versus-economic-growt
h/.

ushistory.org. “Types of Government.” Purposes of Government, March 24, 2024.

https://www.ushistory.org/gov/1a.asp#:~:text=Governments%20provide%20the%20param
eters%20for,their%20well%2Dbeing%20and%20happiness.