Indigenous-led projects aim to curb plastic use

Press Release

Nov. 14, 2023

VICTORIA – Indigenous businesses and communities have demonstrated a keen interest in plastic waste reduction in the first year of dedicated provincial funding.

The Province is providing more than $1.3 million through the CleanBC Plastics Action Fund to eight Indigenous-led projects. The funding was initially announced in August 2022 as part of $10 million from Budget 2022. Under the fund, the Province supports up to 80% of eligible project costs.

“To reduce plastic waste and pollution, we need to provide people with alternatives,” said George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. “With this provincial funding, Indigenous communities and businesses have access to the financial resources they need to help prevent waste and recover plastics. This will further strengthen Indigenous climate action and benefit everyone.”

The Indigenous Zero Waste Technical Advisory Group is helping project leads apply for funding and supporting implementation, providing the best opportunities for project success.

“Introducing best practices and innovation in plastics recycling and reuse are essential for effective waste management in remote and coastal First Nation communities,” said Calvin Jameson, president, Indigenous Zero Waste Technical Advisory Group. “The strong interest in Indigenous-led project funding reflects the commitment these communities have in protecting the health and wellness of our natural environment, including eliminating plastic pollution.”

The Indigenous-led projects will establish new ways of processing and reusing post-consumer plastics, promote reusable systems, educate community members and create local jobs. All projects have one year to be completed. 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 reducing the use of 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:

For more information about CleanBC Plastics Action Fund, visit: https://www.alacritycanada.com/plasticsactionfund

A backgrounder follows.

Contact:

Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy
Media Relations
250 953-3834

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BACKGROUNDER

What to know about the Indigenous CleanBC Plastics Action Fund recipients

Boston Bar First Nation

• The funding will increase recycling throughout the community, including training and capacity building to support the project’s success.
• Program funding: $80,000

Daylu Dena (Kaska Nation)

• The project will reduce the use of disposable tableware and address plastic waste through fabric reuse. This will be achieved with recycling bins, a community recycling program, a quilt-making program using recycled fabrics and reusable dinnerware for community gatherings.
• Program funding: $107,669

Gitxaała Nation (Git Lax M’oon)

• The project will expand an 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.
• Program funding: $320,000

Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nations

• The project will reduce and process plastic waste within the community, with recycling sorting bins in common buildings, reusable dishes and a commercial dishwasher for community events.
• Program funding: $133,415

Kanaka Bar Indian Band (T’eqt”aqtn’mux)

• The funding will provide a commercial dishwasher and reusable dinnerware for the Kanaka Bar community hall to reduce the use of single-use dinnerware at community events and gatherings.
• Program funding: $53,040

Mother Earth Recycling Inc.

• The project will recycle windshields and laminated glass using specialized machinery and technology, diverting material from landfills and recovering value.
• Program funding: $416,440

Tsleil-Waututh Nation (səlilwətaɬ)

• The project will lead a year-long campaign of community events and school-based activities to raise awareness and increase capacity to prevent, reduce, recover and capture plastic waste.
• Program funding: $49,880

Vitatek Cleaning Solutions

• The funding will provide zero-waste, reusable containers for commercial cleaning supplies throughout the Okanagan region.
• Program funding: $160,000

Contact:

Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy
Media Relations
250 953-3834

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