30Jan
Plastics
TilePlastic pollution became a huge problem for environment and health globally. HEJSupport works towards reduction of plastic production, the elimination of hazardous chemicals in plastics, and strong regulation at the national, regional and international levels. Our work on plastic- and toxic-free hygiene products, toxic-free recycling and textiles contribute to that goal. We published several articles on the problems of plastics, e.g. for the Plastic Atlas. We especially highlight the link between plastics, women and gender issues.
New UN Human Rights Report on Toxic Plastics 17.09.2021 - The report by the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights and toxics highlights the human rights implications of toxic additives in plastics and the life cycle stages of plastic, including the rights of women, children, workers, and indigenous peoples. ... Read More
NGOs urge Canada to complete the assessment of PFAS in one year 21.07.2021 - It is not sufficient to simply focus on data collection by expanding the monitoring of PFAS in the environment – the efforts on PFAS must include a roadmap to move to informed substitution and innovation with safer products and chemicals. ... Read More
Environmental groups calling on Big Plastic to drop its lawsuit against Canadian government this Plastic-Free July 15.07.2021 - Environmental groups are urging the government of Canada to defend listing #plastic as toxic and move ahead to implement the promised regulations. ... Read More
Sustainable Fashion – everything you need to know about your clothes 01.07.2021 - HEJSupport new on-line information resource on sustainability related topics in the textile and fashion industry provides a platform for progressive voices willing to share their vision and ideas on different aspects of sustainability in the textile and garment industry. ... Read More
WeChooseReuse 15.06.2021 - #WeChooseReuse - Einwegplastik durch Mehrwegsysteme ersetzen und diese Petition zeichnen. ... Read More
For a plastic and toxic-free future! 07.06.2021 - The first issue of HEJYouth's international magazine focuses on the global plastic pollution crisis and what young people can do about it. ... Read More
New Blue Box program put business interests ahead of protecting the environment 03.06.2021 - The new rules are light on measures to reduce plastics that end up in landfills, incinerators and the natural environment. ... Read More
Canada needs to support the global treaty on plastic pollution 19.05.2021 - We urge Canada to join the 138 countries calling for a global agreement on plastic pollution to be established at the UN Environment Assembly in February 2022. ... Read More
Regulatory Actions to Plastic Pollution in Canada closer with addition of “Plastic Manufactured Items” to CEPA Toxic Substances List 12.05.2021 - Listing plastic under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) is an important step towards minimizing plastic’s threat and a strong signal to the plastic industry that the government is taking the plastic crisis seriously. ... Read More
Comments to Canada’s approach towards the work on addressing plastic pollution 28.04.2021 - We urge Canada's Standing Committee to include a focus on the impacts to health and environment associated with toxic chemicals used in the production of plastic and plastic products and those associated with the management of such plastics throughout the lifecycle of plastics. ... Read More- Free trade of non-hazardous waste between US and Canada negatively impacts the environment, health and human rights 21.04.2021 - The negotiations of US-Canada arrangement was not released for public review and therefore substantial matters including the definition of environmentally sound recycling was not reviewed. ... Read More
Conference on Plastic Pollution in the Great Lakes 19.03.2021 - HEJ Support Co-director Olga Speranskaya speaks at webinar on plastic pollution in the Great Lakes. ... Read More
Civil society calls upon the Commission to uphold ambition on SUP Directive 02.03.2021 - HEJSupport, among other NGOs, sent a letter to the EU Commission to support the most recent version of the SUP Directive Guidelines. ... Read More
Products in our home: a hidden health threat 02.03.2021 - Consumers deserve to be told the truth. There is a need for mandatory full disclosure of the presence of toxic substances in products ... Read More
NGO Submission to the UNEA Leadership Dialogue 19.02.2021 - For UNEA5 several NGOs, including HEJSupport, submit a written statement for the Leadership Dialogue. ... Read More
Why does the issue of e-waste continue to be a global challenge despite international efforts to address it? 18.02.2021 - An efficient e-waste management is based on government commitment; regulatory requirements and enforcement; a social orientation towards separate waste collection; and environment and health protection through safe toxic-free product design and transparency of chemical information. ... Read More
NGOs call on Canada to address plastic pollution 12.02.2021 - Every day Canada fails to act, another 7,900 tonnes of plastic waste end up in our landfills and environment. ... Read More
New on-line course on SAICM Issues of Concern 21.12.2020 - With this course we hope to expand the discussion about the future of SAICM beyond 2020 and involve many people and organizations from around the world into the conversation. ... Read More
NGOs call on EU Environmental Ministers to Stop the Plastic Flood 16.12.2020 - HEJSupport cosigned a joint NGO letter to the Environment Ministers of the EU Member States urging them to take a decisive stand against plastic waste –hazardous to human health and the environment. ... Read More- NGOs call on Canada to eliminate all non-essential plastic products and materials 10.12.2020 - The NGO discussion paper recommends objectives to be included in the Canadian approach to plastic. ... Read More
- NGOs urge Ontario province in Canada to adopt a regulation that supports non-toxic circular economy 06.12.2020 - The absence of recognizing the impacts of toxic substances and additives found in recyclables undermines the circular economy framework on the safety of materials to be circulated through the system. ... Read More
NGOs call on Prime Minister Trudeau to end plastic pollution in Canada 05.12.2020 - Prime Minister Trudeau, you have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to end plastic pollution in Canada ... Read More- NGOs request Canada to complete the ratification of the Basel Convention Plastic Waste amendments 03.12.2020 - HEJSupport, with other NGOs, express concern over a bilateral arrangement between Canada and the US regarding plastic waste. ... Read More
- Offener Brief fordert von Umweltministerin Schulze entschiedenes Handeln gegen Plastikmüll während der EU-Ratspräsidentschaft 20.11.2020 - Gemeinsam mit acht weiteren NGOs hat HEJSupport einen offenen Brief verfasst. ... Read More
Toxic Additives in Plastics: Hidden Health Hazards Linked to Common Plastic Products 30.09.2020 - Even small amounts of toxic plastic chemical additives can result in cancers, damage to immune and reproductive systems, impaired intellectual functions, and/or developmental delays. ... Read More- Responding to Basel Convention on Plastic Waste Amendments and Canada-US Arrangement on the trade of Plastic Waste 30.09.2020 - Olga Speranskaya, HEJSupport Co-Director, and Fé de Leon , CELA Researcher and Paralegal write to the Plastics and Waste Management Directorate of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Canada to support strong measures on plastic waste management and outline actions needed to address plastic waste in Canada. ... Read More
ON-PACKAGE CONSUMER COMMUNICATION 28.09.2020 - Can I recycle this? A global mapping and assessment of standards, labels, and claims on plastic packaging ... Read More
Report OEWG-12 Basel Convention – Reduce plastic waste trade 09.09.2020 - The Basel Convention made progress to reduce plastic waste trade. 600 attendees of the OEWG discussed next steps. ... Read More
No Small Issue: The Problem with Microplastics in Fashion 27.08.2020 - Microplastics account for approximately 40% of all plastic that ends up in the ocean. ... Read More
Canada and Turkey risk being dumping ground for plastic waste 22.07.2020 - Compliance to Basel Convention amendments on plastics and "no consensus" under OECD WG key contributing factors ... Read More
EU Promotes Greater Global Responsibility on Plastic Waste — But Not for Internal Market! 07.07.2020 - Several NGOs, including HEJSupport, published a BAN (Basel Action Network) press release, denouncing Europe`s "Do As I Say, Not As I Do". ... Read More
NGOs urge Canada to support other countries to stop toxic recycling 25.05.2020 - The impacts of PBDEs to health and the environment will continue to be of global concern with several Parties to the Stockholm Convention that have not withdrawn their need for the exemption. ... Read More
NGOs demand enabling lasting solutions to the plastic crisis for a more resilient economy 28.04.2020 - HEJSupport co-signed the letter to EU leadership demanding long lasting solutions to the plastic crisis for a more resiliten economy. ... Read More
Happy Earth Day 22.04.2020 - Watch a new video from HEJYouth team to learn more! ... Read More- Consumer pressure must continue to ensure real industry change 06.04.2020 - It appears as though tthe advocacy efforts may be paying off, as experts within the packaging industry are finally responding to consumer concerns. ... Read More
- NGO response to the Draft Science Assessment of Plastic Pollution 01.04.2020 - The Assessment confirms that larger plastic items like bags and straws can physically harm animals and negatively affect their habitat. The report also highlights microplastic pollution, noting evidence of negative effects on animals and the environment and uncertainties regarding the potential for effects on humans. ... Read More
Lack of innovation in domestic recycling programs makes Canada request more time to enact ban on shipping plastic waste 20.03.2020 - "I think the public just isn't aware of how much we're failing to step up and do our bit to stop the pollution of the oceans and land with plastic," said Kathleen Ruff, founder of the environmental group RightOnCanada. ... Read More
Urgent need to reduce plastic pollution triggered Ottawa’s decision to declare plastic as toxic substance 15.03.2020 - Including plastics under CEPA is a precursor to a ban on specific polymers and certain single-use items . ... Read More- To Clean Up Canada’s Recycling Act, End a Zombie Chemical Policy 05.03.2020 - Recycled plastics can contain some of the world’s most hazardous chemicals. It is time we put an end to this toxic policy. ... Read More
Draft Science Assessment for Plastic Pollution 26.02.2020 - Everyone is aware of the negative impact that plastics can have on the environment and health, but few are concerned with the minutiae of the problem. ... Read More
Wege aus der Plastikkrise: Forderungskatalog an die Bundesregierung 05.02.2020 - Im gemeinsamen Forderungskatalog "Wege aus der Platikkrise" zeigen deutsche Umweltverbände, darunter HEJSupport, die Plastikkrise entlang des gesamten Lebenszyklus auf. ... Read More- Pressemitteilung: Deutsche NGOs fordern Wege aus der Plastikkrise 05.02.2020 - Pressemitteilung: Wege aus der Plastikkrise: 15 Forderungen der deutschen Zivilgesellschaft an die Bundesregierung ... Read More
REACH Committee should restrict lead stabilisers in PVC 14.11.2019 - A group of NGOs, including HEJSupport, sent a letter to the REACH Committee to urge them to restrict the use of lead in PVC as it will reduce the emissions of this highly toxic chemical. ... Read More
Plastic and Toxic Free Period 26.04.2019 - HEJSupport is happy to announce a new project on toxic chemicals, health, and plastic pollution. The project entitled “Plastic and Toxic Free Period” is supported by Funding for Social Change Ltd and is part of a broad initiative on plastic and toxic free disposable and reusable menstrual products involving Women’s Voices for the Earth (WVE),… ... Read More
The Basel Convention: NGOs advocate for the global efforts to address plastics pollution 15.12.2018 - In a joint letter NGOs urge Canada to advance its work on plastic pollution by supporting Norway’s proposal. ... Read More
Fighting global plastic pollution: What difference can women make? 12.10.2018 - It is important to change corporate behavior, including highlighting better alternatives for personal hygienic products. The multi-billion-dollar industry that manufactures feminine and other hygienic products, profits from the dominance of disposable products. In many countries, both in developing and developed ones, the feminine hygiene industry has successfully convinced women that their period is something which… ... Read More- Together for toxic- and plastic free periods 19.05.2018 - The challenge: Most of female sanitary products contain up to 90% plastic and toxic chemicals. The average woman will use 12,000 to 16,000 disposable feminine hygiene products in her lifetime and it can take up to 100 years or more for something like a plastic pad or applicator to break down. HEJSupport is working together… ... Read More
