A petition is demanding the Société québécoise du cannabis (SQDC) stop using single-use plastics in its packaging.
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Montrealer Jody Aveline argues that the provincial Crown corporation needs to take a more eco-friendly approach “when distributing cannabis and cannabis-related byproduct.”
“Here’s this new Crown corporation that just started all fresh and they are pushing more plastic on the world,” he told Global News. “It’s ridiculous.”
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The petition proposes the SQDC implement a refund or consignment policy, to encourage people to bring their containers back to the stores.
“What would be the damage of a $1 charge on a container?” Aveline asks.
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His other suggestions include assigning reusable containers to regular buyers and encouraging people to bring their own containers.
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Aveline is the founder of the Cans 4 Cash Collection Service (C4CCS) and says he’s passionate about the environment.
“I collect bottles and cans from businesses, residents, organizations and recycling bins,” he said.
“More and more, I see these plastic containers. This is a Crown corporation that’s a month old. Are they going to be up there with Coca-Cola and Nestlé on plastic waste?”
He says he’s also “communicated for years” with the SAQ to encourage them to implement refunds for wine and spirit bottles.
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“I’m trying to create a positive social change,” Aveline noted.
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Products come in a variety of containers, from boxes to jars and bottles.
“It’s important to note that the SQDC is not responsible for the choice of packaging,” said Mathieu Gaudreault, a spokesperson for the corporation.
“These are choices made by our providers to follow guidelines by Health Canada that state the packages must be child- and tamper-proof.”
He adds that the containers are “almost all completely recyclable.”
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“The SQDC is sensitive to this issue and will be looking at the environmental impact of our packaging during the next product selection meeting with our suppliers,” Gaudreault told Global News.
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Health Canada told Global News that though it outlines the standards, it’s up to the provinces to determine how they will adhere to them.
So far, the petition has garnered more than 750 signatures.
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