TORONTO, Dec. 30, 2015 /CNW/ – We applaud President Obama for taking a critical step to ban microbeads. Now it’s time the Canadian government step up with similar action.

On Monday President Obama signed a bill that will require U.S. manufacturers to end the use of microbeads in products by July 1, 2017. The bill will also end the sale of products containing microbeads in the U.S. by July 1, 2018. This is an important move that will significantly reduce harmful microplastic pollution in waters, including the Great Lakes.

We call on the Canadian government to take similar action and end the use and sale of microbeads in Canada. The government has taken steps towards banning microbeads through the Chemicals Management Plan, but has yet to announce a plan for banning or restricting the use of these harmful pollutants. It’s time to do the right thing and join the U.S. in ending the use of microbeads.

Microplastic pollution is toxic to wildlife and may impact human health as well. Microbeads, bits of plastic added to products like body wash or toothpaste for aesthetic and exfoliating purposes, slip through our wastewater treatment filters and flow directly into our lakes and rivers.

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(www.environmentaldefence.ca): Environmental Defence is Canada’s most effective environmental action organization. We challenge, and inspire change in government, business and people to ensure a greener, healthier and prosperous life for all.