Kamloops woman’s petition to ban single-use plastic bags gaining traction

“I think its just a first step in terms of things we can do to reduce our plastic use and combat climate change. But I think its something that we can easily accomplish.”

The petition is nearing the goal of 1,000 signatures, which means Wyvill is getting ready to take the next step.

“I’m hoping to send council an email later next week and just see where it goes from there,” Wyvill explains, “I know theres lot of other people who are interested, I’ve been getting lots of Facebook messages from people who want to talk to council about this themselves, people sending their own letters, so I think council is already talking about it.”

While she hasn’t publicly advocated for the cause until now, Wyvill practices what she preaches.

“I’ve always used my own bags, and always done what I can individually,” Wyvill says, “But a couple of weeks ago, this major report came out of the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) about the severity of climate change, and how little time we have to turn things around, and its really lit a fire under my butt to start getting more active.”

Instead of disposable plastic bags, Wyvill says she thinks reusable is the best alternative.

“Most stores already do sell reusable bags. I think the best thing are cloth bags made out of cotton that you can wash. So ideally people will buy those, or have a few of those, you don’t need a ton,” Wyvill says, “And then yeah, stores will have to provide something that you can buy, a reusable bag.”

And as for those single use bags found in grocery store produce sections?

“Well I think we can do away with those too, but I don’t know, maybe one step at a time,” Wyvilll says, “Personally when I’m buying produce, I rarely use a plastic bag. I’ll often bring containers with me, I think there are a lot of options.”

by Dylana Milobar

Kamloops woman’s petition to ban single-use plastic bags gaining traction

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