Spring program incentivizes consumers to go green and get new gear in time for Earth Day

TORONTO (March 10, 2019) – In a move to reduce waste and reward participating bicycle riders, Shimano today launched the first-ever cycling shoe recycling program in Canada through a collaboration with international recycling leader, TerraCycle®. The global bicycle component and footwear leader will partner with 70 participating bicycle retailers across the country who will utilize TerraCycle® Zero Waste BoxesTM to collect used shoes from any brand and reward recyclers with an incentive on new Shimano footwear. The program aims to collect thousands of pairs of shoes through its conclusion on April 20, 2019 and equip participating riders with new shoes in time for Earth Day on April 22. This initiative is in line with Shimano’s corporate mission: To promote health and happiness through the enjoyment of nature and the world around us. “While we bring to market cycling shoes across Canada, we need do our part in protecting nature and recycling plays a key part. With this program we’re ensuring that Shimano is also taking products back in the most ecologically way possible,” said Tim Hadfield, General Manager of Shimano Canada. “We’re thrilled to collaborate with TerraCycle® and with our retail partners spanning the entire country to accept shoes even from our competitors as a way of being able to make a difference.” Consumers can participate in this program immediately. On April 21, 2019, all 70 participating bicycle retailers across Canada will be returning the TerraCycle® Zero Waste BoxesTM to TerraCycle®. At that time, TerraCycle® will break down the shoes into reusable raw materials out of the key shoe components: carbon fibre, rubber or nylon outsoles, uppers and buckles. For more information or to find a participating retailer, please visit https://bike.shimano.com/en-US/information/scl-dealer-list-trade-in-shoe.html

Regina cannabis retailers are asking customers to return their pot packaging to them for recycling.   A federally regulated cannabis container can only hold a certain amount of pot – usually much smaller than the canister.   That container also comes in a separate box, leading to plenty of leftover packaging.   That’s why Regina marijuana shop Wiid Boutique asks for it back to send to a recycling company called TerraCycle.   “Their initiative is to recycle the plastic into little plastic pellets that can be molded into plastic benches and playgrounds,” said Caroline Green, a representative of the shop’s owners.   In three months, Wiid has collected 12 boxes full of cannabis packaging to send to TerraCycle, a program created alongside cannabis brand Tweed.   “Just doing our part to go green the best we can,” said Brett Lytle, manager of Tweed’s Regina store. “There’s a lot of [packaging] on cannabis and being able to help people in our community to be able to reduce that waste is just something we wanted to be involved in.”   The company doesn’t only take plastic. It will also take tins, lids, bags, and pre-rolled joint packaging.   Although the stores are happy to see so many containers being returned for recycling, they hope for a greener solution in the future like biodegradable packaging to reduce the environmental impact.   “Like hemp plastic or even reusing the stems or stocks of the cannabis plant to make more sustainable packaging,” said Green.   Five months into legalization, Green isn’t aware of any biodegradable containers as packaging is under strict regulations; however she is hopeful the industry will grow towards greener packages in the future.

Pigeon Brands' Elyse Boulet discusses how major players are applying innovative solutions to the packaging conundrum.

In recent months, many large brands have thrown their hats (made of recycled materials of course) into the sustainability ring, pledging to eliminate plastics, such as straws and bags, or to divert food from landfills. Last week, Wendy’s joined the long queue of global companies announcing their commitment to advancing sustainable packaging solutions, identifying new and existing cup solutions to optimize the hot and cold fiber cup.   Espousing sustainable practices has the potential to pay off. Seventy-one percent of Canadians are placing a higher importance on sustainable food packaging than they did five years ago, according to a 2018 survey by paper giant Asia Pulp and Paper. The study also found that 37% of respondents “would be open to paying up to 10% more” for products with sustainable packaging.   The trend has many companies and their marketers eyeing sustainable packaging as the next frontier in CSR, but their efforts have been met with significant challenges, says Elyse Boulet, SVP and national managing director of Pigeon Brands. “It’s not that brands don’t want to go there,” she says. “It’s that the barriers are very high.” For one thing, brands face regulatory hurdles. Boulet notes that the infrastructure for recycling biodegradable or recyclable materials differs by jurisdiction, often at the municipal level. There are also food safety concerns, especially with new and innovative materials. And some brands have eschewed recycled plastic, because the colours available with alternative materials are limited. It’s that line of thinking that made Tide go from plastic to carton. Launched in November 2018, the Tide “eco-box” contains a sealed bag of Tide liquid detergent and is made with 60% less plastic and 30% less water than the brand’s current press-tap container. The design has the added benefit of being light-weight and free of secondary re-boxing materials, thanks its  carton shape. It will take time for the industry to overcome packaging challenges, and brands will need to avoid “greenwashing” when doing so, Boulet says, emphasizing that sustainability “storytelling needs to be authentic and credible.” But she adds that there’s an opportunity for brands to differentiate themselves in the packaging milieu by “being original in their sustainable thinking.” For example, Pigeon helped Danone reduce Oikos yogurt’s over-wrap packaging, while maintaining efficiency, and “forcing ourselves to look at the available space on the shelf.” The design simultaneously increased shopability and shelf impact by turning the containers’ top panels into the messaging platform.  “It’s less costly to produce the packaging as a result,” says Boulet. Mexican beer giant Corona recently worked on replacing the plastic ring used to haul around a six-pack in favour of a biodegradable fiber eco-pack (which is currently being tested in Mexico, see featured image above). Of all the companies making strides, Boulet believes Canada’s TerraCycle is at the forefront of the packaging revolution. The company’s business model is predicated upon re-purposing traditionally non-recyclable waste products. P&G’s Head & Shoulders brand partnered on a program with TerraCycle to pick up plastic on beaches, and created packaging based on that waste, the world’s first recyclable shampoo bottle. Earlier this year, TerraCycle unveiled Loop, a subscription-based reusable packaging program geared towards the CPG industry. Many of the largest CPG companies, from PepsiCo to Unilever, have already signed on for when the program launches in Canada later this year or early next. And TerraCycle recently inked a deal with Tide, a strategic partnership that will allow the new Tide Eco-Box packaging to be 100% recyclable from bag to box.   Photo credits (via Pigeon Brands): Corona, courtesy of Parley for the Oceans; Tide,  courtesy of Yahoo Finance; Oikos, courtesy of Pigeon Brands. 

As legal cannabis consumers become acquainted with each new producer and product to hit their shelves, how those offerings are presented is becoming a bit of a controversy. The result has been a mixed reaction, both proactive and reactive, with an array of producfts from leading producers such as Plus Products Inc. (OTC:PLSPF) (CSE: PLUS), Canopy Growth Corporation (NYSE: CGC) (TSX: WEED), CannTrust Holdings Inc. (OTC:CNTTF) (TSX:TRST), Tilray, Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY), and KushCo Holdings, Inc. (OTC:KSHB). While Canada’s cannabis buyers have to wait until October 2019 for cannabis edibles to become legal, California’s market is already getting its packaging laws in order. Leading the way in California is Plus Products (OTC:PLSPF) (CSE: PLUS), which now dominates the state’s edibles sector with 3 of the Top 5 cannabis products. As a market leader, the company is now being proactive in its move to roll out child-resistant (CR) tins across the state, well in advance of a January 2020 California deadline. In the Canadian market, the proposal for responsible packaging has been met with some resistance by producers—citing waste and other concerns. “Most cannabis consumers care very much about the environment and we’ve already gotten a lot of flak from the public,” said Allan Rewak, executive director of the Cannabis Council of Canada a group that represents licensed producers in an interview with Post Media. “You’re going to see plastic containers piled up outside stores with people putting (edibles) all in one container.” At the moment, the Canadian restrictions are primarily limiting to quantity per package. In California, the restrictions are focused on the appearance and function of the containers. According to the California Department of Public Health’s FAQ website: “Cannabis product packaging cannot resemble traditionally available food packages and must be tamper-evident, re-sealable if the product includes multiple servings, and child-resistant. In addition, packaging for edibles must be opaque. All manufactured products must be packaged according to regulatory standards before they are released to a distributor.” EMBRACING THE PACKAGING CHALLENGE In a release this week, Plus Products Inc. (OTC:PLSPF) (CSE: PLUS) has gotten out ahead of the new law, announcing the redesign of its signature tins, to deliver its popular gummies in new CR packaging—in compliance approximately one full year ahead of the state’s deadline. “The convenience of our packaging is an important part of what has made PLUS successful. We are proud that we were able to keep the best elements of that experience while bringing to market a new tin that is child resistant, convenient, and still completely recyclable,” said Jake Heimark, CEO of Plus Products Inc. “We believe the top cannabis brands have a responsibility to lead the industry in a safe direction. We searched the globe for the best child resistant packaging and found it in these tins. It is difficult to achieve child resistance without compromising the portability and practicality of the consumer experience. We believe the tins we are launching this week are an elegant solution to a difficult problem, and are an important step in PLUS continuing to make cannabis safe and approachable.” The company’s new tins going forward are made of recyclable tinplate steel with a polypropylene insert, and are already available at select outlets in California. The tins are certified according to the Code of Federal Regulations 16 CFR § 1,700.20, and are opened with a press and twist method, similar to a prescription medicine bottle. It’s doubtful that the new packaging will impact the company’s sales, which lead the state according to BDS Analytics during Q4 2018. PLUS currently produces 3 of the top-5 best-selling branded products in all product categories including flower, vaporizers, edibles and topicals. PLUS “Uplift” and PLUS “Restore” remained the #1 and #2 best-selling SKUs. PLUS “CBD Relief” was the #5 best-selling SKU, and the top CBD-only SKU. CALIFORNIA LEADING THE PACK The importance of the edibles market cannot be stressed enough. In a recent BDS Analytics report, the research firm projected sales in the edibles market to surpass $4.1 billion by 2022. California is currently the largest and most important cannabis market in the world—larger even than the entire country of Canada. In comparison, Canada is only expected to yield $2.7 billion in 2019 legal sales, whereas California already hit $2.5 billion in sales in 2018, and is expected to grow rapidly. Over the course of its long history since legalizing medical marijuana, California has grown its product selection to more than 250 brands of edibles. While the California edibles market grew steadlily, Plus Products Inc. (OTC:PLSPF) (CSE:PLUS) managed to get itself to the top of the sector with its premiere cannabis gummies products. Since hitting the California scene ranked #43 in Q2 2017, less than two years later the company now has 3 of the best-selling branded products in all product categories, including flower, vaporizers, edibles and topicals—Over that time, Plus increased its market share 24x. Now the company’s best-selling SKUs are PLUS “Uplift” ranked #1, PLUS “Restore” ranked #2, and PLUS “CBD Relief” ranked #5 (which also took the top CBD-only spot, according to BDS analytics). The company has since grown its revenue to a $10 million run rate, with growth coming every month—and now it’s expanding its operations into more states. GROWING OUT ORGANICALLY Since launching in 2017, Plus Products Inc. (OTC:PLSPF) (CSE:PLUS) rapidly grew its presence in California from #43 to #1 ranking. By producing an array of products made with high-quality ingredients, PLUS has developed a brand, entirely produced in the Company’s dedicated 12,000-foot, food-safe cannabis manufacturing facility in Adelanto, California. PLUS products are now sold in over 200 licensed dispensaries as well as to delivery service customers, through a distribution partner. Backing the company is the successful hedge fund Tiger Global Management—known for turning small companies in rapidly growing industries into multi-billion-dollar businesses. Tiger was recently responsible for the build out of an e-cigarette product known as JUUL. Over 40 months under Tiger’s involvement, JUUL grew to the point where tobacco giant Altria paid $12.8 billion for a 35% interest in the company—giving JUUL a $38 billion value. Now the hope is that Tiger and PLUS can repeat this level of success through the PLUS brand story. Next up is a planned expansion from the current 12,000 sf manufacturing facility in Adelanto, CA to a 40,000 sq ft space. The Adelanto operation has an annual production capacity of $50 million. The expansion is set to boost Plus Products’ current production line capacity of two lines, with an additional three lines. EDIBLES AND PACKAGING DEVELOPMENTS Canopy Growth Inc. (TSX: WEED) (NYSE: CGC) In the lead-up to the legalization of cannabis-infused edibles and beverages, Canopy Growth plans to release a wide range of products in various forms. These include non-caffeinated chocolate, five different kinds of beverages, and vape pens with new cartridge technology, all ready to roll once Health Canada formally legalizes them. Canopy is set to team up with recycling outfits such as TerraCycle to ensure that their packaging doesn’t end up in landfills. CannTrust Holdings Inc. (OTC:CNTTF) (TSX:TRST) Unhappy with the upcoming packaging regulations, CannTrust CEO Peter Aceto has voiced concern, stemming from feedback from clients. The main concern is that the edible legislation will bring with it a lot of packaging, which CannTrust would like to actively reduce. As it stands, Aceto has expressed that much of the existing container surface is used to host government excise stamps and warnings, which he’d like to see reduced, instead to be used more for CannTrust’s branding. Tilray, Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) Through a recent $419 million deal signed to acquire Hemp Hearts maker Manitoba Harvest, Tilray is looking to team up to launch CBD-infused products where permissible in the US. The acquisition helps to accelerate the pot grower’s entry into the US market, as Manitoba Harvest’s products are already on the shelves of retailers such as Wal-Mart, Costco, and Whole Foods, in both Canada and the US. Tilray is looking to leverage the food maker’s manufacturing facilities and supply chain that touches roughly 16,000 stores, where their products are already sold. Together, they’re looking to take advantage of the recent US farm bill that legalized hemp-derived CBD products. KushCo Holdings, Inc. (OTC:KSHB) Unlike most major names related to the cannabis industry, KushCo Holdings entered through the niche of packaging and being in compliance with each jurisdiction. The packaging solutions specialists provide an unglamorous but important service to the cannabis industry. Since entering the market, however, KushCo has since expanded into the sector to create a one-stop shop for cannabis products. The company has secured long-term supply arrangements with three large companies, expected to be worth $75 million. Disclaimer: Nothing in this article should be considered as personalized financial advice. We are not licensed under securities laws to address your particular financial situation. No communication by our employees to you should be deemed as personalized financial advice. Please consult a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decision. This is a paid advertisement and is neither an offer nor recommendation to buy or sell any security. We hold no investment licenses and are thus neither licensed nor qualified to provide investment advice. The content in this article is not provided to any individual with a view toward their individual circumstances. Baystreet.ca has been paid a fee of twenty thousand dollars by PLUS Products for advertising. Baystreet.ca also holds shares in PLUS Products. This compensation constitutes a conflict of interest as to our ability to remain objective in our communication regarding the profiled company. Because of this conflict, individuals are strongly encouraged to not use this article as the basis for any investment decision. While all information is believed to be reliable, it is not guaranteed by us to be accurate. Individuals should assume that all information contained in this article is not trustworthy unless verified by their own independent research. Also, because events and circumstances frequently do not occur as expected, there will likely be differences between any predictions and actual results. Always consult a licensed investment professional before making any investment decision. Be extremely careful, investing in securities carries a high degree of risk; you may likely lose some or all of the investment.

When collecting debris, provide separate recycling bags for plastic, cans and newspapers. Little packets that hold peanuts and pretzels also can be recycled when gathered separately and collected by TerraCycle, a company that provides special zero-waste recycling boxes to gather a variety of items. Regarding those little stir sticks — let’s ask ourselves if we really need them. A few spoons on the beverage trolley mightdo quite nicely.

 

 

As legal cannabis consumers become acquainted with each new producer and product to hit their shelves, how those offerings are presented is becoming a bit of a controversy. The result has been a mixed reaction, both proactive and reactive, with an array of producfts from leading producers such as Plus Products Inc. (OTC:PLSPF) (CSE: PLUS), Canopy Growth Corporation (NYSE: CGC) (TSX: WEED), CannTrust Holdings Inc. (OTC:CNTTF) (TSX:TRST), Tilray, Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY), and KushCo Holdings, Inc. (OTC:KSHB). While Canada’s cannabis buyers have to wait until October 2019 for cannabis edibles to become legal, California’s market is already getting its packaging laws in order. Leading the way in California is Plus Products (OTC:PLSPF) (CSE: PLUS), which now dominates the state’s edibles sector with 3 of the Top 5 cannabis products. As a market leader, the company is now being proactive in its move to roll out child-resistant (CR) tins across the state, well in advance of a January 2020 California deadline. In the Canadian market, the proposal for responsible packaging has been met with some resistance by producers—citing waste and other concerns. “Most cannabis consumers care very much about the environment and we’ve already gotten a lot of flak from the public,” said Allan Rewak, executive director of the Cannabis Council of Canada a group that represents licensed producers in an interview with Post Media. “You’re going to see plastic containers piled up outside stores with people putting (edibles) all in one container.” At the moment, the Canadian restrictions are primarily limiting to quantity per package. In California, the restrictions are focused on the appearance and function of the containers. According to the California Department of Public Health’s FAQ website: “Cannabis product packaging cannot resemble traditionally available food packages and must be tamper-evident, re-sealable if the product includes multiple servings, and child-resistant. In addition, packaging for edibles must be opaque. All manufactured products must be packaged according to regulatory standards before they are released to a distributor.” EMBRACING THE PACKAGING CHALLENGE In a release this week, Plus Products Inc. (OTC:PLSPF) (CSE: PLUS) has gotten out ahead of the new law, announcing the redesign of its signature tins, to deliver its popular gummies in new CR packaging—in compliance approximately one full year ahead of the state’s deadline. “The convenience of our packaging is an important part of what has made PLUS successful. We are proud that we were able to keep the best elements of that experience while bringing to market a new tin that is child resistant, convenient, and still completely recyclable,” said Jake Heimark, CEO of Plus Products Inc. “We believe the top cannabis brands have a responsibility to lead the industry in a safe direction. We searched the globe for the best child resistant packaging and found it in these tins. It is difficult to achieve child resistance without compromising the portability and practicality of the consumer experience. We believe the tins we are launching this week are an elegant solution to a difficult problem, and are an important step in PLUS continuing to make cannabis safe and approachable.”   The company’s new tins going forward are made of recyclable tinplate steel with a polypropylene insert, and are already available at select outlets in California. The tins are certified according to the Code of Federal Regulations 16 CFR § 1,700.20, and are opened with a press and twist method, similar to a prescription medicine bottle. It’s doubtful that the new packaging will impact the company’s sales, which lead the state according to BDS Analytics during Q4 2018. PLUS currently produces 3 of the top-5 best-selling branded products in all product categories including flower, vaporizers, edibles and topicals. PLUS “Uplift” and PLUS “Restore” remained the #1 and #2 best-selling SKUs. PLUS “CBD Relief” was the #5 best-selling SKU, and the top CBD-only SKU. CALIFORNIA LEADING THE PACK The importance of the edibles market cannot be stressed enough. In a recent BDS Analytics report, the research firm projected sales in the edibles market to surpass $4.1 billion by 2022. California is currently the largest and most important cannabis market in the world—larger even than the entire country of Canada. In comparison, Canada is only expected to yield $2.7 billion in 2019 legal sales, whereas California already hit $2.5 billion in sales in 2018, and is expected to grow rapidly. Over the course of its long history since legalizing medical marijuana, California has grown its product selection to more than 250 brands of edibles. While the California edibles market grew steadlily, Plus Products Inc. (OTC:PLSPF) (CSE:PLUS) managed to get itself to the top of the sector with its premiere cannabis gummies products. Since hitting the California scene ranked #43 in Q2 2017, less than two years later the company now has 3 of the best-selling branded products in all product categories, including flower, vaporizers, edibles and topicals—Over that time, Plus increased its market share 24x. Now the company’s best-selling SKUs are PLUS “Uplift” ranked #1, PLUS “Restore” ranked #2, and PLUS “CBD Relief” ranked #5 (which also took the top CBD-only spot, according to BDS analytics). The company has since grown its revenue to a $10 million run rate, with growth coming every month—and now it’s expanding its operations into more states. GROWING OUT ORGANICALLY Since launching in 2017, Plus Products Inc. (OTC:PLSPF) (CSE:PLUS) rapidly grew its presence in California from #43 to #1 ranking. By producing an array of products made with high-quality ingredients, PLUS has developed a brand, entirely produced in the Company’s dedicated 12,000-foot, food-safe cannabis manufacturing facility in Adelanto, California. PLUS products are now sold in over 200 licensed dispensaries as well as to delivery service customers, through a distribution partner.   Backing the company is the successful hedge fund Tiger Global Management—known for turning small companies in rapidly growing industries into multi-billion-dollar businesses. Tiger was recently responsible for the build out of an e-cigarette product known as JUUL. Over 40 months under Tiger’s involvement, JUUL grew to the point where tobacco giant Altria paid $12.8 billion for a 35% interest in the company—giving JUUL a $38 billion value. Now the hope is that Tiger and PLUS can repeat this level of success through the PLUS brand story. Next up is a planned expansion from the current 12,000 sf manufacturing facility in Adelanto, CA to a 40,000 sq ft space. The Adelanto operation has an annual production capacity of $50 million. The expansion is set to boost Plus Products’ current production line capacity of two lines, with an additional three lines. EDIBLES AND PACKAGING DEVELOPMENTS Canopy Growth Inc. (TSX: WEED) (NYSE: CGC) In the lead-up to the legalization of cannabis-infused edibles and beverages, Canopy Growth plans to release a wide range of products in various forms. These include non-caffeinated chocolate, five different kinds of beverages, and vape pens with new cartridge technology, all ready to roll once Health Canada formally legalizes them. Canopy is set to team up with recycling outfits such as TerraCycle to ensure that their packaging doesn’t end up in landfills. CannTrust Holdings Inc. (OTC:CNTTF) (TSX:TRST) Unhappy with the upcoming packaging regulations, CannTrust CEO Peter Aceto has voiced concern, stemming from feedback from clients. The main concern is that the edible legislation will bring with it a lot of packaging, which CannTrust would like to actively reduce. As it stands, Aceto has expressed that much of the existing container surface is used to host government excise stamps and warnings, which he’d like to see reduced, instead to be used more for CannTrust’s branding. Tilray, Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) Through a recent $419 million deal signed to acquire Hemp Hearts maker Manitoba Harvest, Tilray is looking to team up to launch CBD-infused products where permissible in the US. The acquisition helps to accelerate the pot grower’s entry into the US market, as Manitoba Harvest’s products are already on the shelves of retailers such as Wal-Mart, Costco, and Whole Foods, in both Canada and the US. Tilray is looking to leverage the food maker’s manufacturing facilities and supply chain that touches roughly 16,000 stores, where their products are already sold. Together, they’re looking to take advantage of the recent US farm bill that legalized hemp-derived CBD products. KushCo Holdings, Inc. (OTC:KSHB) Unlike most major names related to the cannabis industry, KushCo Holdings entered through the niche of packaging and being in compliance with each jurisdiction. The packaging solutions specialists provide an unglamorous but important service to the cannabis industry. Since entering the market, however, KushCo has since expanded into the sector to create a one-stop shop for cannabis products. The company has secured long-term supply arrangements with three large companies, expected to be worth $75 million.

Pure + Simple is a Toronto-based skincare chain that has committed to going 100 per cent plastic-free! We asked their President and Co-owner Jean Eng to tell us a little more about what changes they’ve made, and why they decided to make them.

Can you introduce yourself and this issue a little?

Plastics have made a home in our lives. As a skincare and spa business owner, I find it everywhere – from shopping bags and product packaging to the microplastics in the actual contents of the bottles. Having approached esthetics from a holistic perspective, I am a firm believer that beauty is health, for you and the planet. When starting my business, I knew a company could not be celebrating our beautiful planet through “clean beauty” and “green skincare” while using plastic and contributing to waste. It had to be sustainable. These bottles have been returned for recycling by TerraCycle

So what have you done to reduce your plastic footprint?

Pure + Simple has been operating sustainably from the get-go in October 2000. Going 100 per cent plastic-free has been a challenge and is still a work-in-progress, but we’ve tried to implement a few programs that help us reduce the use of plastics. Little changes like using washable compressing cloths instead of plastic sponges not only helped us reduce waste, but also made our services more relaxing and reminded clients that these choices make a difference. Another way was encouraging recycling and educating clients about how easy it is and why it makes a difference. We introduced a Bottle Return Program where we encouraged clients to return their empties for us to recycle and reuse. Out of the returned bottles, the glass bottles are sterilized and prepared for reuse in a laboratory sterilizer, and the plastic ones passed on to our recycling partners – TerraCycle. We also implemented the use of single material packaging. All our plastic bottles are made of 100% PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) making them easier to recycle and reuse, and over the next couple of years we plan to shift away from plastic packaging altogether.

Why is plastic in beauty products such a problem?

Plastics are very commonly used as ingredients in different forms. Many scrubs used to contain plastic microbeads used to remove dead cells from the skin. They’re the tiny, colourful, spherical particles made of plastic that provide a gentle grainy texture. They seem innocent enough at first look, but actual wreak havoc on the environment, which is why we were happy to see them banned from beauty products last year. Once these microplastic particles are washed down the drain, they make their way into the water system. Since they’re too small to be captured by wastewater facilities and don’t biodegrade, they then end up in our lakes, rivers, and oceans. Even worse, plastics in water attract chemicals, which then end up in the tissue of the fish and other wildlife that eats the plastic. From there, they work their way up to the food chain – to us. Microbead particles in beauty products, banned last year, literally washed plastic pollution down the drain Exfoliation is important, but this is way too big a compromise for the sake of healthy skin.  That’s why we have always opted for environment-friendly alternatives like using fruit enzymes, sea salt, and jojoba beads in our services and products.

What would you say to someone else who wanted to get involved?

We have been lucky to work with people who understand and support our sustainability efforts. It’s important to be aware that our everyday choices have a direct impact on the environment. We thrive when we live in a community where each member does their part to support and sustain the environment, and it’s up to us to help each other out. So I would say inform yourself, recognize the efforts of others, and make the right choice. Guest blogger Jean Eng is the President and Co-owner of Pure + Simple, Toronto’s first chain of sustainable, all-natural skincare and wellness spas.  

A packet of pot and a discounted Canadian barrel of oil are around the same price, laments columnist Chris Nelson.Ryan

Excessive packaging now plaguing legal pot could make cannabis edibles harder to swallow, say industry players.

Ottawa’s proposal to limit a legally maximum 10 mg dose of THC to a single package is wasteful and bad optics for a product rooted in environmental awareness, say some producers who want the federal government to relax that guideline. “Most cannabis consumers care very much about the environment and we’ve already gotten a lot of flak from the public,” said Allan Rewak, executive director of the Cannabis Council of Canada which represents licensed producers. “You’re going to see plastic containers piled up outside stores with people putting (edibles) all in one container.” A frequent knock on legal cannabis retailing is the often multi-layered packaging that involves paper, cardboard and different forms of plastic for even the smallest quantity of bud. Many in the industry expect edibles and other derivatives to become hugely popular once and even eclipse smokeable products after they’re legalized in October. Rewak said he appreciates the fact some of that packaging is meant to render legal cannabis child-proof and he’s not opposed to the 10-mg limit for THC in single doses. But he says more of those 10-mg doses should be allowed in each package. “Can you imagine the amount of waste it will generate? We should be able to have 10 doses in child-proof containers,” said Rewak, adding Ottawa is dumping the waste issue on the provinces and local governments. Awareness of wasteful packaging has even been exploited by black market dealers, including one in Calgary who sells his product in glass mason jars that can be refilled or recycled. Peter Aceto said his company is hearing the concerns from clients. “The edible legislation does imply a lot of packaging but we would like less of it — our patients and customers would like less packaging,” said Aceto, CEO of licensed cannabis producer and retailer CannTrust. Much of the existing container surface is used to host government excise stamps and warnings, space Aceto said he’d like to see reduced, instead to be used more for CannTrust’s branding. Some companies, including producer Canopy Growth, have teamed up with such recycling outfits as TerraCycle to ensure their packaging doesn’t end up in landfills. “It’s on us as producers to deal with the problem and it’s a choice of our business, it’s not baked into the regulations,” said Canopy Growth spokesman Jordan Sinclair. Alberta-based cannabis retailer Canna Cabana said it’s launched an effort to collect any of the Health Canada-sanctioned package, at no charge, to have it reduced to pellets for re-purposing. “Excessive packaging has been a recurring theme in the media and feedback from customers,” said a company press release. Cannabis industry players say the issue is one they’re putting forth during a 60-day consultation process in response to Health Canada’s draft regulations on edibles and derivatives, which ends Feb. 20. A spokeswoman for Health Canada said since that consultation is still ongoing, it’s too early to say how the government might respond the industry’s concerns. But she pointed to a ministry website which detailed how proposed packaging requirements ensure their contents are safe overall and less attractive to youth. It estimates meeting regulations on packaging, labelling and record-keeping would cost industry players $5.8 million a year. “In contrast, the public health and public safety benefits resulting from the current proposal are considerable, even if they cannot be quantified,” it states. “It is expected that these benefits would outweigh the costs.” The cannabis council’s Rewak said he’s not optimistic about the chances of changing Ottawa’s mind. “The truth is, regulations don’t change that much during consultations,” he said.