Reusable container pilot project coming to Ottawa grocery stores
When Jarno van der Kolk buys groceries, he opts for to shop at NU Grocery, a zero-waste grocery store.
"Sometimes I go to supermarkets and don't buy things because there's way too much packaging and too much plastic," he said. The Ottawa resident brings in reusable containers for items like dry goods and condiments — his way of curbing plastic pollution.
Soon he'll have more options. A new federal pilot project is in the works to reduce single-use plastics at major grocery retailers and it's taking place right here in Ottawa.
"Think of things the sushi, the salad bar, the deli — these are areas of fresh food where reusable containers can be commonly used so we're starting with that area and hopefully spread to other parts of the grocery store," said Jo-Anne St. Godard, the executive director of Circular Innovation Council.
- Sign up now for daily CTV News Ottawa newsletters
- The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App
The group is leading the project in collaboration with the Canadian government and Canadian grocers Metro, Farm Boy and Walmart Canada.
Customers will be able to buy some food in containers that can be dropped back off and repurposed later on. Phase two will see the program expand, allowing people to bring back take-out containers to restaurants in the neighbourhood. Details like what the packaging will look like and for which products it can be used still need to be ironed out.
The pilot project is expected to start in early June, with testing at select grocery stores along Bank Street.
"I wish it was widespread already. I'm so sad with all the containers we throw out each week that aren't recyclable," said Ottawa resident Caroline Sutherland.
On Tuesday, the federal government announced new funding to reduce plastic waste.
"Canada is extending an additional $10 million to the global action partnership," said Environment and Climate Change Minister Steven Guilbeault.
Part of that will go to the pilot project in Ottawa.
"There's a lot of stuff in the supermarket that does not need to be in plastic. If we can get our own reusable containers, I would use it a lot more," said van der Kolk.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Decades-long fight': MPs unanimously pass 'anti-scab' legislation
A bill that would ban federal employers from using replacement workers or 'scabs' during lockouts or strikes passed the House of Commons unanimously on Monday.
Mike Tyson had medical issue on cross-country flight
Boxing legend Mike Tyson required medical attention after experiencing an 'ulcer flare up' toward the end of a cross-country flight Sunday, his representatives confirmed to the New York Post.
Why Canada's big grocery stores are under investigation
Amid mounting outrage over high grocery prices, a retail expert says there's a solution to fostering more competition in the country.
Netanyahu acknowledges 'tragic mistake' after Rafah strike kills dozens of Palestinians
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged Monday that a "tragic mistake" had been made after an Israeli strike in the southern Gaza city of Rafah set fire to a tent camp housing displaced Palestinians and, according to local officials, killed at least 45 people.
WATCH Alta. man rescues wild foal trapped on steep cliffside
A man's daring rescue of a newborn wild foal that was trapped after falling down a steep embankment was caught on video over the weekend.
Arrests made in 'highly orchestrated' GTA auto theft operation: police
Peel Regional Police say they have arrested 16 suspects and issued arrest warrant for another 10 individuals in connection with an auto theft investigation carried out by a 'highly orchestrated criminal operation.'
Cattle rustling comes to Quebec as police investigate suspected theft of entire herd
Quebec provincial police are investigating after an entire herd of about 75 cattle were allegedly stolen in the Eastern Townships region last week.
B.C. senior prepares to move due to devastating effects of fraud
A Courtenay, B.C., senior is downsizing and packing to move as she comes to accept she can no longer afford to stay in her home, after falling victim to a scam that robbed her of her life savings worth more than $100,000.
Canada pledges visas for 5,000 Gaza residents related to Canadians
Canada said on Monday it would grant temporary visas to 5,000 Gaza residents under a special program for Canadians' relatives living in the war-torn enclave, a preparatory move in case they are able to leave in the future.