Canada has officially banned single-use plastics, specifically plastic bags, straws, cutlery, stir sticks, six-pack rings and some takeout containers. Manufacturers have until the end of 2022 to stop manufacturing them, and until the end of 2023 to stop selling them. Environmentalists are hoping Canada’s ban will pave the way for other countries to follow their lead. France has also prioritized plastic pollution by banning plastic packaging on fruits and vegetables. Add to that the world’s first Global Plastic Pollution Treaty, signed in March, and maybe there is reason to hope we are making progress!