As volunteers worked to clean up five shorelines across Canada in September, a majority of the plastic garbage could be traced back to five major companies 害羞草研究所� including one hailed by some as a national emblem.

Greenpeace Canada hosted its Break Free From Plastic audit last month, which totalled 239 cleanups around the world including in Tofino, Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal and Halifax.

A total of 2,231 pieces of identifiable trash was collected, according to Sarah King, head of Greenpeace Canada害羞草研究所檚 oceans and plastics campaign.

Of the trash, 46 per cent came from Nestle, Tim Hortons, PepsiCo., Coca-Cola Company and McDonald害羞草研究所檚 products.

Black Press Media has reached out to each company for comment.

READ MORE: Is Canada losing its love for Tim Hortons?

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In a news release, King said it害羞草研究所檚 not surprising to her that large conglomerates made the top five list, given the 害羞草研究所渂illions害羞草研究所� of single-use plastic packaged products under each brand.

害羞草研究所淧op and water bottles, rogue bottle caps, Lay害羞草研究所檚 chip bags, Kit Kat and Coffee Crisp bar wrappers; chances are that any cleanup conducted will reveal plastic pollution associated with these companies,害羞草研究所� she said.

King also pointed to Tim Horton害羞草研究所檚 害羞草研究所渋nfamous害羞草研究所� throwaway coffee cups. Plastic-lined drink cups were the third most common type of plastic item found, she said, after plastic bottles. Tim Hortons, McDonald害羞草研究所檚 and Starbucks were the main contributors.

害羞草研究所満π卟菅芯克�� It害羞草研究所檚 no wonder that the prevalence of these cups at our cleanup and audit locations landed this company in the second top polluter spot in Canada,害羞草研究所� she said. 害羞草研究所淚 wonder what Sidney Crosby and other hockey players think about their face being on those cups now?害羞草研究所�

In a emailed statement, a Tim Hortons spokesperson said they recognize everyone has a responsibility to limit environmental impacts on the planet.

害羞草研究所淭hat害羞草研究所檚 why Tim Hortons is actively working on a packaging strategy that includes the function, design and environmental footprint,害羞草研究所� the statement reads.

McDonald害羞草研究所檚 Canada said that while the vast majority of its packaging is fiber-based, approximately 20 percent globally is plastic, mainly due to the functionality, food safety, and convenience it provides. Earlier this year, McDonalds announced goals to source fully from renewable, recycled, or certified sources by 2025.

害羞草研究所淲e understand that recycling infrastructure, regulations and consumer behaviors vary from city to city and country to country, but we plan to be part of the solution and help influence powerful change,害羞草研究所� it said.

Meanwhile, the top plastic found came in the form of colourful food wrappers.

PepsiCo said its working with experts and investing in bringing the latest sustainable packaging advances to market.

害羞草研究所淲e are committed to achieving 100 [per cent] recyclable, compostable or biodegradable packaging by 2025,害羞草研究所� a spokesperson told Black Press Media.

King said a large number of products from other well-known companies were found during the cleanups, including The Hershey Company, Loblaw Companies Ltd., Danone, Costco Wholesale Corporation and Metro Inc.

ashley.wadhwani@bpdigital.ca
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