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GROCERY STORES REMAIN A MAJOR CONTRIBUTOR TO THE PLASTIC CRISIS

Grocery stores are still major sources of single-use plastic packaging garbage, even after being singled out by the federal government to clean up their act.

With all the plastic in their stores, it’s difficult to imagine how major chains will meet their 2025 pledges to stop using plastic packaging that can’t be recycled or reused.

It appears they haven’t listened to the government, nor to the thousands of people across Canada who wrote to grocery CEOs calling on them to eliminate throwaway packaging and invest in accessible and effective refill systems. 

We need to make sure they get the message: we have had enough of their garbage.

A 2023 Environmental Defence report on plastic in Canada’s major grocery chains—including Loblaws, Sobeys and Metro—found disturbing amounts of plastic packaging, especially on the shelves where you’d expect to find the healthiest items. More than 70% of fresh produce and baby food are now packaged in plastic!. This is particularly concerning since plastic packaging can contain harmful chemical additives, such as bisphenols and phthalates. It's also a major source of microplastic contamination. Not to mention that all this garbage is going to mostly end up in landfills, incinerators or the natural environment

Tell big grocery chains that enough is enough: move immediately to eliminate single-use plastics and scale up reusable and refillable packaging systems. 

SEND A LETTER TODAY.

Your letter will go to the CEOs of Walmart Canada, Loblaw Companies Ltd, Metro Inc, and Empire Company Ltd. CC. Minister of Environment and Climate Change Steven Guilbeault.

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Environmental Defence is a leading Canadian environmental advocacy organization that works with government, industry and individuals to defend clean water, a safe climate and healthy communities.

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LETTER Show/ Hide

Mr.
Galen
Weston
Chairman & CEO, Loblaw Companies Ltd.
Mr.
Eric R.
La Flèche
President & CEO, Metro Inc.
Mr.
Michael
Medline
President & CEO, Empire Company Ltd.
Mr.
Gonzalo
Gebara
President & CEO, Walmart Canada
VP
David
Skinner
Costco