Charlottetown targets single-use plastics with Bring It campaign

People in Charlottetown who want to reduce or eliminate single-use plastics from their lives will get some help from the city over the next couple of months.

The city launched a Bring It campaign this week, and plans to give away $9,000 worth of items reusable straws, portable cutlery, drink cups, water bottles in return for a pledge that people will use them.

"Single-use plastics are hard on the environment, and especially the marine ecosystems," said Coun. Terry Bernard.

"We want to do our part to help out in a big global problem."

The city did a survey in August that showed a lot of concern among city residents regarding single-use plastics. It found people want to avoid plastics, but often find themselves out the door having forgotten their reusables.

The Bring It campaign is partly designed to be a reminder for people.

"We give you some reminder stickers. You can put them on those key areas: your fridge, your front door, the dash of the car," said Bernard.

It's a matter of habit, he said, noting after working at it for a while he has grown accustomed to having a reusable mug with him.

"If I'm going out the door without it, I'm [thinking] 'Wait a minute. I'm missing something,'" he said.

The city will be holding events in December and January where people can take the pledge to avoid single-use plastics and receive a gift in exchange. The first event is Saturday at the Charlottetown Mall from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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