Add Ucluelet to the list of communities taking more steps to control the use of plastics.
Ucluelet has decided to ban single-use plastic utensils, with enforcement coming into effect Sept. 15 to allow a six-month transitional period for businesses to adjust.
During that time, municipal staff will work with environmental group Surfrider Pacific Rim to promote the ongoing Cut the Cutlery Campaign.
Paula Mason, Ucluelet’s manager of corporate services, acknowledged that Tofino has already made the move.
“With the recent ban of plastic utensils in our neighbouring municipality, we are proud to take this next step in empowering our west coast communities to transition to a culture of environmental protection and stewardship,” she said. “We are extremely grateful for the support of Surfrider Pacific Rim as we roll out an awareness campaign that will encourage behavioural change and help businesses prepare for, comply with and communicate the upcoming requirements to their staff, customers and visitors to the area.”
Laurie Hannah, chapter co-ordinator of Surfrider Pacific Rim, said “the tides are turning” on single-use items “so let’s keep the momentum going for the sake of the health of our bodies and the ocean.”
A report from the chapter points to plastic utensils as the seventh most commonly found plastics on beaches.
Ucluelet Mayor Mayco Noel said the district and the lands of the Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ (Ucluelet) First Nation are closely linked, and banning plastic utensils and other single-use items “is a huge step towards doing everything in our power to protect and preserve these lands.”
“In doing so, we aim to create the type of sustainable community our citizens can enjoy for future generations to come.”
Tofino was the first municipality in the province to ban single-use plastic utensils, adding the restriction to a bylaw in February that already bans plastic bags, straws and polystyrene containers used for takeout food.
A number of capital region municipalities have banned plastic bags and are looking to do more.