OUR IMPACT
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Informed Policy
Our data was cited in support of the Keeping Polystyrene Out of Ontario's Lakes and Rivers Act, 2021, requiring dock foam to be encapsulated to reduce the amount found in the lakes.
We are also contributing information on pre-production plastic pellets (or "nurdles") to prevent their loss into the environment.
Partnerships
The initiative and its measurable impact would not be possible without our network of partners and sponsors! We are thankful for a diverse group of collaborators and supporters.
Supporting Early Career Scientists
The Great Lakes Plastic Cleanup is committed to supporting the next generation of environmental scientists and researchers. For example, each summer, we bring on a team of Community Engagement Coordinators to engage their local communities in the fight to end plastic pollution. Since 2022, we have created 10 jobs across the Great Lakes region, empowering emerging leaders to make meaningful contributions to the field of plastic pollution research and environmental protection.
Technology & Innovation
The Great Lakes Plastic Cleanup is at the forefront of piloting innovative technology in our efforts to combat plastic pollution.
Some of our plastic capture technologies can travel when not in use so more communities see them firsthand!
Our Network
We have sites located all across the Great Lakes and its waterways, from the St. Lawrence River to Lake Superior.
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Public Outreach & Experiential Learning
By hosting or attending events at schools, camps, farmers markets, festivals, and more, we are able to engage audiences of all ages on the issue of plastic pollution!
Volunteer Program
We provide opportunities for volunteers to come out and help us sort and characterize the plastic debris collected by our technologies. From student groups to corporate team building events, our awesome volunteers help contribute to filling critical data gaps in the Great Lakes! Get involved today!
Scientific Impact
We often share the debris collected by our plastic capture technologies with academic institutions for further research. It may be used by researchers to examine the sources, exposure, fate and transport of plastics, and even how microorganisms and enzymes can break down plastic!
130+ Events
Hosted
Our educational events provide opportunities for the public to gain hands-on experience sorting through plastic debris.
Together we can #BeatPlasticPollution!
Over 192 K
pieces
of plastic debris reported to be removed from the lakes. We anticipate that there is more being collected on days where data is not collected or reported! The majority of what we find are small pieces, like plastic fragments, foam pieces, and pellets.
1,800 Data Submissions
collected from our partners and collaborators. This information helps us understand the sources and types of plastic pollution present in the Great Lakes.
148 Devices Deployed
targeting multiple pathways of plastic pollution in the Great Lakes. From trash skimmers to beach cleaning robots, we work to intercept plastic pollution at its source.
The Great Lakes Plastic Cleanup is tackling plastic pollution through the piloting of innovative plastic capture technology, the collection of critical data and the engagement of local communities to collaborate on ending plastic pollution in our Great Lakes. Learn more about just some of the many ways that we're making an impact below.
Check out our local impact stories by using the buttons to filter by category and/or year:
Broader Impact: Learn about how we've contributed to efforts beyond our initiative, including through our partnerships, scientific contributions, and policy change. These collaborative efforts have been making a tangible difference in protecting the Great Lakes region.
Data Collection: Dive into where our community science efforts are providing valuable insights and better understanding of the sources, pathways and impacts of plastic pollution in the Great Lakes.
Technology & Innovation: Take a closer look at our use of cutting-edge technology to address plastic pollution in the Great Lakes.
Filter:
Broader Impact
Open Plastic Biotechnology
Open Plastic is a consortium at Queen's University looking to understand whether microorganisms and enzymes may be able to biodegrade plastic into recyclable components or chemicals. The Great Lakes Plastic Cleanup contributed samples of debris collected by our Kingston Seabins to this important research effort.
Broader Impact
Lake Ontario Student Conference
The 2022 Lake Ontario Student Conference was hosted by the Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority. The conference brought together students from across Ontario to spend the day learning about the Great Lakes, conservation and stewardship. The Great Lakes Plastic Cleanup provided an experiential learning activity for the students.
Data Collection, Broader Impact
Informed Policy
Our data was cited to support the Keeping Polystyrene Out of Ontario's Lakes and Rivers Act, requiring dock foam to be encapsulated and reducing the amount found in the lakes.
Broader Impact
Alliance to End Plastic Waste
Our engagement activities and data contribute to the efforts of the International Alliance to End Plastic Waste, through our lead corporate sponsor, NOVA Chemicals.
Broader Impact, Data Collection, Technology & Innovation
Travelling Technology
When not in use, our plastic capture technology travels around so that even more local communities can have a first-hand experience with the beach cleaning robot!
Broader Impact
Farmers Markets, Music Festivals, and Eco-Events!
By hosting and attending events at schools, camps, farmers markets, festivals, and more, we engage audience of all ages on the issue of plastic pollution!
Broader Impact
Microplastics Fingerprinting Research Project
Through a collaboration with the University of Waterloo Microplastics Fingerprinting Research Project, plastic debris collected by our technologies was analyzed to better understand its chemical composition, and to determine whether specific additives and colourings can provide clues about what they were used for before finding their way into the environment.
Data Collection, Broader Impact
Pre-Production Plastic Pellets
We are contributing information on pre-production plastic pellets (or “nurdles”) to various efforts and prevent their loss into the environment.
Broader Impact, Data Collection
Water Quality Testing
To investigate the relationships between water quality and plastic pollution, our community engagement coordinator in Kingston performed water quality testing in Lake Ontario in collaboration with Queen's University.
Broader Impact
Visiting Schools in the Great Lakes Region
Our team visits schools (from kindergarten to post-secondary) to engage with students on the issue of and solutions for plastic pollution!
Broader Impact, Data Collection, Technology & Innovation
Hands-on Experiences for Students
School events with the Great Lakes Plastic Cleanup bring children and youth outdoors for exciting STEM learning experiences. Pictured here are students from Spring Lake Elementary School in Michigan sorting debris from a beach cleaning robot!
Data Collection, Broader Impact
Our Community Engagement Coordinators
In 2022, we expanded our team to include community engagement coordinators in strategic locations. Coordinators have hosted 50+ events each summer, inviting members of the public to learn more about the issue of plastic pollution and how they can play a key role in addressing it.
