WWF-Canada applauds Loblaw’s plan to ban microbeads by 2018
WWF-Canada applauds Loblaw’s plan to ban microbeads by 2018
Toronto, June 12, 2015 – WWF-Canada partner Loblaw announced today that by the end of 2018, it will stop using microbeads in the household and cosmetic products it manufactures.
“Loblaws’ commitment to cut microbeads from its products by 2018 shows great leadership. Plastic pollution has an incalculably serious effect on our environment,” said David Miller, President and CEO of WWF-Canada. ”This litter can distribute toxic chemicals and harm animals if they ingest pieces of plastic or become entangled in the debris.”
Microbeads are tiny pieces of plastic that are not biodegradable and so do not break down in nature. They are used as exfoliants in many household products like sunscreen, cleaning products, face wash, body creams, and even toothpaste. Microbeads are so small that they slip right through our water treatment systems and end up back in our rivers and lakes and oceans.
In 2013, researchers working in the Great Lakes reported from 1,500 to 1.7 million plastic particles per square mile (2.5 square kilometres), with the highest concentration in Lake Erie. In addition to accumulating in the stomach, microbeads can cause liver toxicity and damage to the digestive tract. Illinois became the first U.S. state to ban the sale of cosmetics containing microbeads, in June 2014.
UNESCO estimate that plastic pollution in our oceans kill an estimated 100,000 marine mammals and 1 million sea birds annually. And another 2015 report shows that around 8 million tons of plastic is dumped in the world’s oceans annually.
“Bans on single-use plastics and microplastics in products like cosmetics and toothpaste are one of the important solutions toward protecting the Earth’s water – both salty and fresh,” said David Miller.
WWF-Canada is currently assessing the health of all of Canada’s freshwater, including looking at the status of fish species, and concentrations of contaminants in our water.
Loblaw, which works with WWF via the Loblaw Water Fund grantee program and on sustainable seafood initiatives, also announced that it would stop using triclosan, which is found in antibacterial soaps, toothpaste and some cosmetic products, and is believed to contribute to antibiotic resistance. The company also committed phasing out the use of phthalates, which are chemicals used to add fragrance to products and to soften plastics. There are concerns that they may interfere with the body’s endocrine system.
For further information contact:
Tammy Thorne WWF-Canada, Senior Manager, Communications, 416-347-1894 [email protected]
About WWF
WWF-Canada is part of WWF (World Wildlife Fund), one of the world’s largest and most respected conservation organizations. WWF-Canada has close to 50 years of experience implementing science-based knowledge and research into on-the-ground projects. WWF is creating solutions to the most serious conservation challenges facing our planet, helping people and nature thrive. Visit wwf.ca for more information.