TORONTO – Today, Greenpeace Canada opens a photo art exhibition in the Toronto-Danforth neighbourhood in the riding of the Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) Minister Julie Dabrusin, to draw attention to the plastics crisis, urging bold leadership to support a strong Global Plastic Treaty. The showcase, titled ‘Cost of Convenience’, is an open air art exhibition, is on display just ten days ahead of the second part of the fifth Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5.2) session for a Global Plastics Treaty, set to take place in Geneva, Switzerland, from August 5 to 14. As a signatory of the Stand Up for Ambition declaration and part of the Host Country Alliance, Canada has an added responsibility to move the negotiations forward and drive ambition among the Parties.

Sien Van den broeke, Plastics Campaigner at Greenpeace Canada, said:

“We are in the midst of a plastic pollution crisis that is harming our health and environment while fuelling the climate crisis. With INC-5.2 coming up, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to turn off the plastic tap. Greenpeace is calling on Canada to secure a strong and binding Global Plastics Treaty that cuts plastic production, ends single-use plastics and puts human rights front and center.”

The exhibition, ‘Cost of Convenience’, made in collaboration with Toronto artist Sean Martindale and JP King, opens along Danforth Ave, Toronto, from Greenwood to Woodbine, with a collection of photographs displayed on street corners and inside local businesses, capturing plastic pollution which has been found everywhere from air, to food and water supplies.

With plastic pollution becoming a daily reality for communities across the country, its lifecycle is harmful at every stage; from fossil fuel extraction and refining through disposal, incineration, or dumping in landfills. Research shows that 99% of plastics are made from fossil fuels, and major oil companies are investing billions to expand petrochemical operations, often located in marginalised areas, disproportionately affecting low-income households and BIPOC communities.

Sien Van den broeke continued:

“Canadians are calling for bold action on plastics: more than 8 out of 10 people support federal action on plastic pollution and over 70% are in favour of cutting plastic production. We are here today to remind Minister Julie Dabrusin of Canada’s responsibility to hold the line and courageously support a Treaty that will help save humanity from the scourge of the plastic crisis – for our health, our planet, our communities and our climate.”

Greenpeace Canada invites media to view the opening of the exhibition at 12:00 PM EST on July 29 in East Lynn Park, Toronto. An exhibition map of participating businesses can be found here. The exhibition will be on display until August 5.

ENDS

Note to editors:

Photos and videos can be found in the Greenpeace media library (media will be uploaded throughout the day).

The Greenpeace Plastic Free Future campaign report – Every Breath You Take – can be accessed here.

For more information, please contact:

Sarah Micho, Communications Campaigner, Greenpeace Canada
[email protected], +1 647 428 0603