Issue link: https://takingitglobal.uberflip.com/i/1131811
EDUCATION The water and greater environmental crises faced by the global community has reached the eleventh hour. It is no longer enough to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Recycling and these former "solutions" to our wasteful world are no longer viable solutions to this extensive problem. "It costs $5260 CAD to recycle 907 kg of plastic bags and you get a product that can be sold on the commodities market for $42 CAD." The costs associated with merely 'dealing with' these single-use products have become greater than the return on the investment. These temporary 'fixes' can no longer be our solution, we must work to counteract the root of the issue. We must rethink the ways in which we live. In Canada, improved education and awareness on the topics of plastic use and waste are integral components for creating a culture that is ready and armed for this necessary change. "We live in a fast, disposable and convenient society, we want whatever is new and cheap and we can replace when the next best thing comes along. Plastic is the perfect fit for this societal norm. The only problem with plastic is when we 'get rid of it' after we're done with it, it never really goes away. 'Out of sight, out of mind' is a phrase akin to our relationship with plastic." (Cailin, Sa-Hali Secondary School, Kamloops, BC) The citizens of Canada must not wait for change. Rather, as a society, we must make a change. Many of us are disconnected from the issue of plastic in our oceans, and this accentuates the need for education regarding plastic and water issues in Canada. "Education and awareness as with any issue are crucial to tackling our plastic problem…" (Mansi, David Suzuki Secondary School, Brampton, ON). It is simple to forget the long-term impacts of our day-to-day choices. Every piece of plastic we have ever created and used is still in existence. We are addicted to plastics, and these products don't peacefully coexist with the living species inhabiting our ecosystems. There are multiple, pressing dangers posed by these products. Some of these concerns