By Scott Roblin

Local business owners welcoming proposed single-use plastics ban

Jun 10, 2019 | 5:41 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Dozens of orders pass over the front counter at Station Coffee Company everyday, but recently more and more are focusing on environmental sustainability.

Part-owner and manager Jeremy Knodel said they’ve started to move away from the traditional plastic cups and straws that are often associated with coffee shops.

“Unless you specifically want a straw, I won’t put a straw in a drink even if it’s to go,” said Knodel. “We just got different lids that don’t require a straw.”

Now the federal government is moving in the same direction, as they announced plans for a complete ban of single-use plastic items in Canada by 2021.

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The government did not release a list of the items that will be banned, but the expectation is it will include drinking straws and plastic bags.

“We’ve worked with provinces and territories to develop the strategy on zero plastic waste and we’re also working closely with the private sector, investing in Canadian businesses that are developing innovative solutions to reduce plastic waste,” said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday.

Knodel recently switched to compostable plastics for his straws and lids at Station Coffee and isn’t expecting major changes from the proposed ban.

“I don’t think it’s going to be maybe as painful as some people think it will be,” he said.

Similar sentiments are being shared at the Silver Buckle Sports Bar according to owner Devon Potvin.

“It’s obviously something that needs to be done,” said Potvin. “Hopefully we find some good alternatives and it doesn’t affect things too much, other than the environment.”

Both Knodel and Potvin said it’s up to the food service industry to provide options for environmental sustainability.

However each had their concerns regarding the financial cost of purchasing the new alternatives in the coming years.

“Hopefully more and more products will become available that suit everybody’s needs,” said Potvin.

“Any little bit of money that changes the margin always affects a small business more than a massive corporation,” said Knodel. “So, we’re probably going to have to be weary of that.”

This announcement comes on the heels of the local Youth Advisory Board petitioning for a ban of single-use plastic bags in Medicine Hat.

New board member Sophia Stacey said while she doesn’t believe the proposed ban will help the environment in any significant way, it’s a step in the right direction.

“We can’t just say, ‘Well, this isn’t going to make a substantial difference, this individual initiative so why do it at all?’” said Stacey. “Because, the individual initiatives combined is what will make a substantial difference.”

As for Knodel, he’s seen more customers over the last few years take an interest in ways to reduce plastic in the environment.

A big reason why he is welcoming this change with open arms.

“There is more of a hunger for it and I think even having this in the news will kind of remind us, ‘Yeah, we don’t need to make that garbage,’” he said.