Recycling isn't
enough
It is estimated that almost 400 million tonnes of plastic are produced across the globe each year. Of that, 8 million tonnes find their way into our oceans, and only 10% of the global total is captured and recycled.
‘What about Canada’ you ask. Despite our excellent reputation, Canadians throw away 3 million tonnes of plastic waste every year. Only 9% of that is recycled. This means most plastics end up in landfills and approximately 29,000 tonnes of that end up in our priceless ecosystems.
Break the habit with us!
The Problem
We know that the use of single-use plastics (SUPs) is one of the most pressing environmental and social issues facing us today. Though we understand that plastic is part of our everyday lives, SUPs are causing serious problems for the planet, and we all have a part to play in reducing plastic pollution.
Our Commitment
Through our Breaking the Plastic Habit (BTPH) program we aim to target specific, avoidable, single-use plastic (SUP) items and influence a positive change across our Canadian properties. By creating a culture of mindful plastic use, our end goal is to collectively move away from throwaway plastics for good.
Our Journey
The first phase of our Canadian launch of Breaking the Plastic Habit has been reflective. We recognize that it takes a change in culture to step away from convenience and those changes take time. We have started our process by inspiring our employees to adopt a plastic-free future. These team players form the basis of our program by setting the best examples and encouraging their colleagues to do the same. In our own corporate office in Toronto, we’ve established a plastic-free example for all satellite offices to emulate.
Here we have:
- Installed water refill stations at each end of the office area
- Provided all staff with reusable bottles and clean cups for their hydration
- Removed all ‘to go’ cups and lids from our coffee stations
- Committed to using plastic alternatives for service and drinkware at our events
- Made the switch to permanent cutlery in the lunch bar
- Removed all disposable dinnerware
Each of our offices has been tasked with creating a plastic-free plan for their property, starting with their management and operations offices. As these initiatives roll out and gain traction, we will be sure to share our wins and lessons learned.
The Federal Ban
The Canadian government has entered the ring in the fight against single-use plastics and legislation can only help the cause. This legislation is focused on six 6 hard to recycle items and will ensure that these items are removed from our retail and service industries over the coming years.
- Plastic grocery bags
- Plastic straws
- Plastic Stir Sticks
- Plastic 6-pack ring carriers
- Plastic cutlery
- Plastic dishware/ takeout containers
Not only will these items be removed from distribution throughout the country, but the export of these items is also covered under the federal ban. The ban will roll out in a phased approach nationwide.
*Medical exemption in place for bendable straws, ban applied at the retail and commercial sales.
**Please reference the federal website for full details.
Our goal is simple. Eliminate single-use plastics at all our properties.
Will you join us?
Take the pledge and let us know! This allows us to set our goals and milestones accordingly.
Breaking the Plastic Habit with axiis
If you know Brookfield Properties, you know axiis. It’s our one-stop shop for everything workday, everything eco, and everything fun. It’s also your one-stop shop to break the plastic habit! Tap in and learn new ways to break the habit, sneaky places where plastics hide, and fun ways to get your friends and family to join in.
Tap into a plastic-free future today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are single-use plastics?
Single-use plastics are items intended for a single use, made of plastics. These items take the form of plastic wrapping, water and soda bottles, utensils, coffee cups and lids, shopping bags, and even condiment packages. They are often made of hard-to-recycle plastics or have coatings that make them non-recyclable.
What is the federal government banning?
The Canadian government is focusing its ban on 6 items that are notoriously unrecyclable or difficult to recycle.
How will the government ban impact me?
As the ban rolls out, there will be convenience items you’re used to that will no longer be available, such as plastic forks and plastic shopping bags. By finding your SUP alternatives now, you’ll hardly notice a change come December.
Why are single-use plastics bad?
Designed to be thrown away after a single use and difficult or impossible to recycle single-use plastics fill our landfills and even natural spaces. These convenience items are so ingrained in our daily lives that they are not always easy to spot and are often used without a second thought.
I don’t use bottled water, that’s enough, right?
You would be surprised where plastic pops up. Quitting bottled water is a great start but look for all single-use plastics throughout your day; you will be surprised by where you find these problematic plastics.
- Plastic grocery bags
- Plastic straws
- Plastic Stir Sticks
- Plastic 6-pack ring carriers
- Plastic cutlery
- Plastic dishware/ takeout containers
How can I combat single-use plastics at work?
First, take the pledge and commit to change.
How can I combat single-use plastics at home?
First, take the pledge and commit to change.
What about other plastics?
Plastics are a useful invention, and durable and recyclable plastics have a place in this world, especially in sterile environments like healthcare. Right now, we are in a plastics triage and single-use plastics are of the utmost importance.
But my single-use plastic item says it’s recyclable, is it?
Your plastic item may be recyclable, but it may not. There is no regulation associated with using the recycling symbols so what you read on the bottle or utensil may not be true. Check with your local waste haulers to familiarize yourself with what they can recycle.
Across the Globe
Brookfield Properties’ Accessibility Actions
Brookfield Properties operates based on key values which place accessibility, diversity, and inclusion as core principles of our practices and procedures. We continuously monitor our website to ensure we are in compliance with all applicable Accessibility standards to further remove barriers for persons with disabilities.
If you cannot access information or a specific item on this website or have any other questions related to the accessibility of our website, please email accessibility@brookfield.com for assistance.
Customer Feedback Process
If you spot an accessibility issue at any of our properties, we encourage you to fill out a Customer Feedback Form. Fill out the form below or visit the Security desk or Property Management office at your property.
Customer Feedback Form
Brookfield Multi-Year Accessibility Plan (Canada)
Copyright © 2022 Brookfield Properties
Brookfield Properties Privacy Terms Do Not Sell My Info Accessibility Plan This site is WCAG Level AA for accessibility. Cookie Settings
