Tofino Bans Small Plastic Water Bottles: Why PARCHED Is the Better Choice

The District of Tofino, British Columbia, has voted to ban single-use plastic water bottles that are one litre or smaller, starting on Earth Day, April 26, 2026. The decision is meant to cut down on plastic waste, protect the coastline, and set an example for other communities in Canada.

This move follows what we’ve seen in other parts of the world. Earlier this year, Bali introduced its own ban on small plastic bottles. The island faced major problems with waste piling up on beaches and plastic breaking down into microplastics in the ocean. The ban was put in place as an urgent step to protect both people and the environment.

Photo by Brian Yurasits on Unsplash: A pile of single use plastic water bottles found during a beach cleanup in Barbados.

 

Plastic Bottles Are Being Banned: Why You Should Care

Plastic bottles under a litre are some of the most common items found in landfills, parks, and shorelines. They are cheap to make, but very costly for the environment. Recycling rates for small bottles are low, and many end up in the ocean where they break apart into tiny particles. Plastic bottles are among the most common items found in shoreline cleanups, according to environmental groups. The Ocean Legacy Foundation estimates more than a million go missing in B.C. each year, with more than 60,000 recovered from Vancouver Island's west coast beaches since 2015. (CBC)

For a place like Tofino, which is known worldwide for its natural beauty, it makes sense to take action. Banning single-use plastic bottles helps keep the coastline clean, reduces pressure on landfills, and sends a clear message to residents and visitors that sustainable options are the future.

Beyond the environmental impact, single-use plastic bottles have health risks too. Many plastics contain chemicals that can leach into water, especially when bottles are exposed to heat or sunlight during transport or storage. Compounds like bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates are known to act as endocrine disruptors, interfering with hormone systems in both humans and animals.

This means that the water you think is “pure” may actually contain trace amounts of harmful chemicals. Over time, consistent exposure raises concerns about long-term effects on health.

With Tofino now following the same path as Bali, one question comes up quickly: what should people drink instead?

Eco-Friendly Water Alternatives: What to Drink Instead

Tofino offers high quality drinking water from rain-fed creeks and old-growth forests protected by Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks, so bringing reusable water bottles is a wonderful option when visiting the area. But when reusable bottles aren't practical, one option already on the shelves is Happy Gut’s PARCHED Electrolyte-Infused Mountain Water. Instead of plastic, PARCHED comes in aluminum cans that can be recycled again and again. Aluminum has one of the highest recycling rates in the world, making it a much better choice than single-use plastic.

PARCHED also offers more than regular water benefits. With electrolytes like sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium, each can contains 84 trace minerals that help your body stay hydrated and balanced, whether you’re surfing in Tofino, hiking in the rainforest, or just going about your day.

Here’s why PARCHED cans are better than plastic bottles:

• No harmful chemicals: BPA-free lining means nothing leaches into your water.
• Better protection: Aluminum shields water from light, air, and bacteria.
• Rapid cooling: Cans chill faster, giving you a cold, refreshing drink sooner.
• Truly sustainable: Aluminum is infinitely recyclable, unlike plastic which downgrades after each cycle.

With PARCHED, you get hydration without the hidden risks that come with plastic.

 

Hydration Without Plastic: Why PARCHED Works for Tofino

Tofino is a small community with a big global profile. Visitors come from around the world to surf, hike, and experience the wild Pacific coast. That means the town faces extra pressure to manage waste and keep its natural spaces clean.

By moving away from single-use plastic bottles, Tofino is protecting its environment and shaping the experience of every visitor. Businesses can make the change easier by stocking sustainable products. Cafes, hotels, and tour operators can all offer PARCHED as a ready-to-go option that fits with the new rules and the values of the community.

PARCHED takes pride in being a Canadian, woman-owned and operated small business. Every can supports local sourcing, sustainable practices, and community empowerment. Choosing PARCHED isn’t just about a healthier hydration source, it’s also about backing a company that puts people and the planet first.

 

Lessons from the Bali Plastic Bottle Ban

The story in Bali shows why these bans matter. For years, Bali has dealt with serious waste problems. Beaches often filled with plastic bottles and bags, especially during the rainy season. The government eventually banned small plastic bottles to stop the problem at its source.

That change is already helping reduce the volume of single-use plastics on the island. It’s not the full solution, but it is one piece of the puzzle. Tofino is now taking a similar step, showing that even smaller communities in Canada can lead on sustainability.

The Future of Sustainable Bottled Water

Plastic bottle bans are not just local stories. They are part of a bigger global shift. From Bali to Tofino, more regions are choosing long-term solutions over short-term convenience. The future of hydration is clear: it won’t come in a single-use plastic bottle.

With PARCHED Electrolyte-Infused Mountain Water, you get hydration that is safe, sustainable, and Canadian. The aluminum can protects your water and your health, while also protecting the environment. And by choosing PARCHED, you’re supporting a business that values sustainability, empowerment, and quality. It’s a simple switch that gets you ahead of the ban of single-use plastics, supports Canadian business & the environment, and most importantly: your health.