In the Spotlight
International Monarch Monitoring Blitz
Every Observation Matters!
The International Monarch Monitoring Blitz is back for its 10th anniversary! From 31 July to 9 August 2026, join the celebration and help search for monarch butterflies and milkweed plants in your area.
Topics
Climate Change
Supporting emissions reduction and helping communities adapt to extreme weather events
Environmental Justice
The pursuit of environmental justice (EJ) aims to address historical inequities, marginalization and discrimination in how environmental benefits and burdens are enjoyed or suffered by certain communities.
Ecosystems
Working with communities to conserve and restore North America's terrestrial and marine ecosystems and priority species
Enforcement
Supporting enforcement and compliance with domestic environmental law and with multilateral environmental agreements
Sustainable Living and Economies
Advancing the sustainability of our economic activities and life choices by identifying and fostering alternatives that effectively integrate the environmental, social and economic dimensions for a just and resilient North America. Our work is organized around four main areas:
Pollutants
Promoting clean air, water and land through prevention, reductions, and sound management of pollutant releases, toxic chemicals and hazardous waste
Youth Engagement
Over the years, the CEC has been committed to youth engagement and the efforts supported have provided youth with opportunities to raise awareness, provide tangible, sustainable, and innovative solutions for environmental issues in their communities, and influence CEC’s strategies, projects, and initiatives.
Indigenous Affairs
The Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) recognizes the essential role that Indigenous Peoples and local communities play in environmental stewardship across Turtle Island, Madre Tierra, also known as North America.
Private Sector Engagement
The private sector plays a critical role in driving economic prosperity, innovation and sustainable development.
Featured Project
Using the World Cup and Large-Scale Events to Raise Awareness About the Importance of Reducing Food Waste
2025 Active Sustainable Living and Economies
Featured Publication
Milestone Study on Plastics Waste Management in the US and Canada — Full Report
December 17, 2024 294 pages Sustainable Living and Economies
This study examines the plastic waste value chain in Canada and the United States for thermoplastic resins or commodities—the materials most involved in the manufacture, distribution and commercialization of plastic products in the country. The publication includes an overview of related infrastructure, operational management and associated markets and documents the current state of recovery and recycling practices. It also outlines existing public policies and regulations within a circular economy (CE) framework.
The publication describes good practices and provides recommendations to strengthen Canada’s and the United States’ waste management system. In addition, best practices in waste management that can be implemented based on the findings of this study are identified, with the goal of providing information for decision-makers.
This publication is part of the project: Transforming Recycling and Solid Waste Management in North America. The Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) commissioned a series of milestone studies on the recycling and management of paper and cardboard, plastics and bioplastics waste for Canada and the United States, and for Mexico. A pilot study on composting poly-coated fiber food packaging for Canada and the United States complements this series. Together, these publications aim to accelerate the adoption of CE practices and promote strategies for the sustainable management of these materials, generating economic and environmental benefits across the region.
The complete report is available in English only, but you can consult the executive summary in English, Spanish, and French.
What We Do
We conduct research, provide tools and training, and provide a unique space for decision-makers and the public to engage on environmental policy issues affecting the North American region.