Paper: Evaluating the sustainability and effectiveness of Canada’s single-use plastic ban
Justine Ammendolia (she/her) is an PhD student at Dalhousie University that researches environmental plastic pollution in Eastern Canada. Justine completed her BSc in Zoology at the University of Guelph (’14) and MSc in Marine Biology at Memorial University of Newfoundland (17’).
Since beginning her research on plastic pollution in 2016, her work focuses on identifying plastic leakage hotspots and implementing solutions for improving waste collection efforts. Justine has worked on various projects ranging from surveying marine debris on remote beaches on the island of Newfoundland to tracking plastic pollution from the COVID-19 pandemic in Toronto. Currently, she’s exploring how national single-use plastic ban policies impact the litter landscapes of Halifax and Dartmouth, and is also working on Sable Island to examine microplastic pollution pathways that travel through air currents. She has been nationally recognized as a NSERC, Killam and Nova Scotia Graduate Doctoral Scholar.
Justine is an active research grantee with the National Geographic Society (Washington D.C.) and frequently shares her work on their global reaching platforms. She also sits as a mentor on the Youth Council for the Chief Science Advisor of Canada and advocates for diversity in natural sciences.
In the spirit of respect, reciprocity, and truth, we acknowledge that we live, work, and gather on the traditional territories of the peoples of Treaty 7, including the Blackfoot Confederacy—comprising the Siksika, Kainai, and Piikani Nations—as well as the Îyâxe Nakoda and Tsuut’ina Nations.
This land, known as Moh’kinsstis in the Blackfoot language and encompassing what is now Districts 5 and 6, is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3, within the historical Northwest Métis homeland.
We recognize and honour the deep connection these Nations have to the land, and we are grateful for the opportunity to share in its stewardship.
As we continue our work, we commit to learning from Indigenous knowledge systems, uplifting Indigenous voices, and fostering relationships rooted in equity, understanding, and reconciliation.
