RDNO calling on provincial government fo

RDNO calling on provincial government for help in regulating single use plastics

Feb 27, 2019 | 4:30 PM

Representatives with the Regional District of the North Okanagan voted to write a letter to the provincial government for more guidance when it comes to diverting single use plastics out of the landfill.

This, as the district continues to grapple with what to do with the plastic material that has dropped in value and is a known polluter.

” What we are asking is we want the province to take the leadership on this issue, ” said Mike Fox, General Manager of Community Services.

” It is very complex and the province has the ability to do more than we can on a regional basis” he added .

Board members also voted to have staff begin to look into educating people on how to reduce and reuse materials in preparation for the possible passing of the single use plastics by-laws.

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Mayor of Spallumcheen Christine Fraser put forward the motion and suggested reaching out to children to make sure the initiative has a lasting shelf life.

” Kids will have a huge impact on the parents, they are the next generation and they promote change very quickly for good or for bad .”

Other board members noted more education is needed for consumers and those in the business sector.

“You go to Starbucks , everyone is throwing their Starbucks cups in the garbage, like I don’t even know if there is a way to regulate that like even the Safeway’s that have a Starbucks they don’t even have a place where people can recycle the coffee cups, ” said Board director Dalvir Nahal.

But many at the meeting said businesses in their communities have expressed the willingness to try to make the switch .

” Businesses know that it is coming , they know that they are going to have to adapt and I think people understand the importance , ” said Spallumcheen Mayor Christine Fraser.

The RDNO announced that they have hired Darren Murray to serve as Environmental Coordinator for the district. Part of his job will be educating businesses and residents on ways to cut back single-use plastics and other waste. He was introduced at the meeting on Wednesday.