In a few days, the Global Plastics Treaty talks are starting in Geneva, deciding the fate of plastic pollution around the world. Ahead of these important negotiations, Greenpeace has turned Toronto-Danforth into an open air art exhibition around the plastics crisis. The exhibition, called ‘The cost of convenience’, stretches from Greenwood to Woodbine and can be visited until Aug 12.
A once-in-a-generation opportunity to turn off the plastic tap
Plastic is everywhere – in the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat and the clothes we wear. From production to disposal, plastic is harming our environmental and human health at every stage of its lifecycle. With 99% of plastics made from fossil fuels, it is also fuelling the climate crisis. Plastic pollution is becoming a daily reality for every community across the country, and it is time to turn the tide.
The Global Plastics Treaty is a proposed international agreement aimed at curbing plastic pollution. In 2022, UN Member States adopted a resolution to develop a legally binding instrument to tackle the growing issue of plastic pollution. Since then, the International Negotiating Committee (INC) has been coming together to discuss the details of this Treaty. In a few days, the second part of the fifth session is starting (INC-5.2) and this last round of negotiations will be deciding on the fate of plastic pollution around the world.
Canada has the responsibility to help secure a strong Treaty
People across the country are calling for action on plastic pollution. More than 70% are in favour of cutting plastic production, and 8 out of 10 want to transition away from single-use plastic packaging to reusable and refillable packaging. Over 83,000 people in Canada have already signed our petition for a strong Global Plastics Treaty. It is time for Canada to put the people over polluters and planet over plastic. We need a strong and binding Global Plastics Treaty that cuts plastic production, ends single-use plastics, focuses on reuse and refill systems, and puts human rights front and centre.
Through the power of art, we want to inspire action for change
Located in the riding of Canada’s Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin, this exhibition is a powerful reminder of Canada’s responsibility during the Treaty talks. The artworks of Sean Martindale & JP King, displayed in the store windows of businesses across Danforth Ave, are enormous photo prints that capture in an aesthetic way the damaging effects of plastic pollution. If you’re in the area, you can still visit the exhibition until Aug 12.
Download your exhibition map here, and tell us your thoughts in the comments!
Artworks by Sean Martindale & JP King. Photos by © Ian Willms / Greenpeace.