Plastic-Free YYC was founded by Briana Loughlin in 2017 as a blog about plastic-free living. Between 2018 and 2024, this simple blog grew into a thriving voice in Calgary, advocating for a reduction in single-use plastic waste and inspiring change across our city.

More than 100 dedicated volunteers worked hard to bring Plastic-Free YYC missions to life. These dedicated volunteers inspired individuals, collaborated with businesses, and worked with government leaders to create a more sustainable future. Engaging in collaborative initiatives, the team at Plastic-Free YYC joined forces with other grassroots organisations such as Ban the Bag YYC and The Last Straw (Toronto, Edmonton, Calgary), making significant impacts. We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved as a community.

Success would not have been possible without the unwavering support of other charities, non-profit organizations, community leaders, businesses, and especially the dedicated followers and donors. The community’s contributions and enthusiasm have been the backbone of our efforts, and we are deeply grateful for the support.

In 2019, the Plastic-Free YYC volunteers launched Alberta’s first Zero Waste Festival, which brought together hundreds of people to learn about sustainable living. We also led annual community clean-ups (even during the lockdowns), engaging swap events, educational presentations for public and private events demonstrating our unwavering commitment to keeping our city clean and plastic-free. These events, along with many others, have left a lasting impact on our community and environment.

Our mission was to engage individuals, businesses and government, all to make positive, plastic-free and reduced-waste changes in their worlds.

In mid-2024, due to changes in the personal lives and locations of our founders and leadership team, it has become increasingly challenging to maintain the organisation. After much consideration, the board made the difficult decision to shut down Plastic-Free YYC Ltd as an active organisation.

Despite Plastic-Free YYC closing, the team still hopes that the spirit of our mission will continue to inspire you to make positive changes in your own lives and communities. That is why the website and Instagram page will remain on, with all content available for free.

Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey. Together, we have made a difference, and we hope that our efforts will continue to ripple outwards, creating a more sustainable world for future generations.