Indigenous-Led Projects Aim To Curb Plastic Use

The BC Government says Indigenous businesses and communities are showing a keen interest in plastic waste reduction in the first year of dedicated provincial funding.

“To reduce plastic waste and pollution, we need to provide people with alternatives,” said George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy.

“With this provincial funding, Indigenous communities and businesses have access to the financial resources they need to help prevent waste and recover plastics. This will further strengthen Indigenous climate action and benefit everyone.”

The Province is providing more than $1.3 million through the CleanBC Plastics Action Fund to eight Indigenous-led projects.

Funding was initially announced in August 2022 and under the fund, the Province will support up to 80% of eligible project costs.

The Indigenous Zero Waste Technical Advisory Group is helping project leads apply for funding and supporting implementation, providing the best opportunities for project success.

Calvin Jameson, president, Indigenous Zero Waste Technical Advisory Group, says the interest in Indigenous-led project funding reflects the commitment the communities have in protecting the health and wellness of our natural environment, including eliminating plastic pollution.

The Indigenous-led projects will establish new ways of processing and reusing post-consumer plastics, promote reusable systems, educate community members, and create local jobs.

To learn more, visit Government of British Columbia.