10 March 2010 — In its latest budget just introduced a few days ago, the Canadian Government announced it will introduce plastic dollar bills starting next year. These dollar bills will be replacing the current cotton-based money. 
According to the Canadian Government, this is a “green” step because the new plastic bills are reportedly ore durable as they last 4 times longer than the current biodegradable money. This will represent savings for the Canadian Governments as this new money is cheaper and harder to counterfeit.
Unfortunately there is no mention as to whether recycled plastic will be used. This initiative will contribute to the creation of tons and tons of new plastic. It is a bit discouraging as one would be hoping the “environmental” trend would be in favour of creating less plastic, not more.
Since Australia introduced the plastic money in 1988, many other countries have followed suit including New Zealand, Mexico and Vietnam.
Chantal Plamondon, co-owner
LifeWithoutPlastic.com