Issue link: https://takingitglobal.uberflip.com/i/1131811
are well-known, such as entanglement and ingestion by animals. Whilst other impacts are lesser known, like the release of chemicals into our atmosphere as plastics are recycled. Harmful side effects of such contamination are seen in Taiwan, where they have been suffering from gamma radiation poisoning for the past twelve years due to recycled steel used in buildings. A unified effort is needed to communicate information about the chemical effects of plastic to the populace of Canada through both school and general public education initiatives. As the up and coming generation, we will be the most impacted, and yet - for the most part - we underutilize our voice, power, and social influence. Youth have the power to make a tremendous change in how society functions, but this all begins with how we are educated. When deciding where to implement education on this topic, it becomes clear that plastic issues can be included in a multitude of areas within a school's curriculum. Within biology, chemistry, marine biology, or environmental science courses, the repercussions of plastic on marine ecosystems and marine life can be examined; as well as how chemical leaching into fish and other life affects the entire food chain with repercussions on organisms and natural biological chemistry. This advanced education is not limited to the field of sciences, it stretches far beyond this field into both the arts and business. Law courses are able to examine the logistics involved in passing legislation that reduces single-use plastics, such as what New Zealand has done. Such concepts are also an easy link to world issues and social justice classes. It is no longer a matter of whether or not this should be done - Instead it is a how and when those in decision-making positions will recognize and actualize on educating youth on this pressing issue. "Because [Canadian students] are surrounded by three different oceans it is integral that we invest in plastic education so everyone can realize the impact that their actions have." Kelsey, Career and Technology Centre, Calgary, AB Today, most learning is functional or informational learning, which is oriented towards socialization and vocational goals that have little space for sustainability. The need is to change from the current system, which has paralleled recent economic restructuring in the western world, toward transformative learning. This shift, in turn, requires a transformed educational paradigm. Bringing this knowledge into our classrooms will allow students to have a voice. We collectively have only one Earth and we must find a way to preserve our planet. The current education system does not sufficiently teach about sustainability, if we are not teaching this, we are unable to sustain the world in which we live. Teachers are able to influence lives in a way that many Canadians are not. By educating their students on the importance of keeping our planet clean and sustaining a low impact, environmentally