Excess Packaging Campaign

Year Published:  1989
Resource Type:  Article
Cx Number:  CX3580

Abstract: 
Environmental Action Ontario has launched an Excess Packaging Campaign to reduce excess packaging in supermarkets and fast-food outlets. The campaign seeks to bring environmental groups and concerned individuals together to tell the large food corporations that we don't want a throw-away society. They are urging the following changes: 1) fast-food restaurants provide reusable dishes and cutlery for sit-down customers, (2) a special tax on disposable take-out containers, with revenues dedicated to waste reduction efforts, 3) supermarkets reduce their excess packaging.
Hoping to tap public support for substantial environmental improvements, participating groups will be approaching unions, church and community groups and municipal councils in their local areas to endorse the demands of the campaign.
Report cards are to be issued at the beginning and end of the one-year campaign which will rank the various fast-food and grocery chains according to the re-usability of their packaging.
The campaign is looking for groups or individuals to co-ordinate the campaign in local communities. Local co-ordinators will receive a campaign kit including background information on the issue and a manual outlining the tasks involved. Local campaigns will include three major components: information gathering, publicity, and lobbying. To participate, for information, or to make a financial contribution, contact Environmental Action Ontario, 263 Howland Ave, Toronto, Ont. M5R 2B7.