Ban the Bag in Victoria, BC

Surfrider Foundation Vancouver Island has been campaigning for over six years for a ban on plastic bags in the capital city of British Columbia, and their relentless efforts have paid off! Starting July 1st all retailers and restaurants are prohibited from providing plastic bags including biodegradable and compostable. An estimated 17 million plastic bags were handed out each year in this island city surrounded by water. Consequently plastic bags became a common item found on the chapter’s local beach cleanups. 

Businesses will still be able to provide paper bags for a fee of $0.15 each, which will increase to $0.25 each on July 1, 2019; however, customers are encouraged to save money and paper by bringing their own reusable bag! The city defines reusable bags as those primarily made of cloth or washable fabric, and can be used over 100 times. Learn more about this regulation, check out the City's retail toolkit for shopowners, and see FAQ's on the City website.

Thanks to all the volunteers for leading this campaign to victory!