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Thank you to our Illinois supporters who took action to reduce plastic pollution in 2026! Whether you contacted your legislators, volunteered with Adopt-a-Beach, donated to the Alliance for the Great Lakes, or simply used fewer disposable plastic items at home, you helped Illinois move toward a more sustainable future.  

2026 will offer fresh opportunities to reduce plastic pollution in Illinois. Here are some things to look for, and how you can help: 

  • Phasing out single-use foam food containers. The Illinois Senate and a House committee have advanced a bill phasing out single-use foam food containers. We’ll be in Springfield urging passage this spring.  
    • How you can help:
  • Clearing plastic waste from Lake Michigan shorelines: Adopt-a-Beach volunteers are on the front lines of keeping plastic litter out of the Great Lakes. They also collect data that helps decision-makers learn about plastic pollution and develop solutions. 
    • How you can help:
      • Lead a cleanup with your business, faith group, service organization, alumni club, green group, students, or friends and family.  
      • Join a cleanup that’s already scheduled at a beach, park, or marina near you.  
  • Helping restaurants reduce their plastic use. We’re partnering with Shedd Aquarium and The Surfrider Foundation to provide training for restaurant business owners, showing how restaurants can reduce plastic use and save money.  

With your support, we’ll be working this year with partners in Springfield and beyond to make the Great Lakes region a leader in reducing plastic waste.

Let’s make 2026 a year of progress against plastic pollution in Illinois!

January 15: Taking Action to Protect the Great Lakes

Discover how you can play an active role in protecting and preserving the Great Lakes in 2026! Join us on January 15 at 1 pm Eastern / noon Central.

Register for the Webinar

The post Making an impact on plastic pollution in Illinois  appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2026/01/making-an-impact-on-plastic-pollution-in-illinois/

Judy Freed

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In: Plastic pollution in the Great Lakes

Last month, state legislators from around the country came together in Chicago to strategize state-level solutions to the growing plastic pollution crisis. The summit was organized by the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators, a nonpartisan network of state lawmakers, and supported by the Alliance for the Great Lakes.  

Attendees at the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators plastics summit in Chicago in November 2025.
Attendees at the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators plastics summit in Chicago in November 2025. Courtesy: NCEL

Plastic pollution is a growing problem in the Great Lakes region – the lakes hold 20% of the world’s surface fresh water, and plastic pollution is found throughout them. Data from our Adopt-a-Beach cleanups finds that 86% of the litter collected along shorelines is either fully or partially made of plastic. Plastic never fully goes away. Instead, it breaks up into toxic microplastics that infiltrate our waterways. Researchers have found microplastics in the food we eat, the water we drink, the air we breathe, and in our bodies.   

The summit provided state legislators with the latest knowledge and data on the health and community impacts of plastics. Discussions covered state-level policy, source reduction, increasing innovative reuse solutions, and impactful legislative and regulatory solutions, including those supported by the Alliance such as extended producer responsibility — holding producers accountable for the waste they create. The summit participants also discussed how to effectively counter false narratives surrounding plastic production and the end of life of plastics. 

The good news is we are seeing the Great Lakes state legislatures leading the way and taking action. In 2024, Minnesota passed a comprehensive extended producer responsibility law for packaging to reduce the worst of the worst single-use plastics. 

In Illinois, proposed legislation aims to shrink foam foodware and plastic bag use, while supporting innovative manufacturing that promotes reuse.  

Lawmakers in Michigan introduced legislation this year that will monitor drinking water for microplastics and provide scientific tools and strategies to keep our drinking water safe. The bills follow recent recommendations from the International Joint Commission, an independent binational organization established by the U.S. and Canada to help manage the Great Lakes.  

At a gathering during the conference, Joel Brammeier, President and CEO of the Alliance, spoke about the importance of taking swift action on plastic pollution. Investments in sustainable solutions can reduce plastic pollution at its source, while supporting innovative partnerships between our region’s universities, start-ups, and manufacturers to create new markets for their products. Civic leaders and legislators across the Great Lakes region can be the catalyst to keep this critical momentum moving forward.  As we move into the new year, keep an eye on the impact our Great Lakes states will have on reducing plastic pollution and advancing innovative solutions. 

The post National Leaders & State Legislators in Chicago to Combat Plastic Pollution appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2025/12/national-leaders-state-legislators-in-chicago-to-combat-plastic-pollution/

tfazzini

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In: Plastic pollution in the Great Lakes

Twenty two million pounds of plastic enter the Great Lakes every year and polystyrene foam is the third most common litter item found on Great Lakes shorelines. Watch this free virtual training for restaurants and learn how you can reduce plastic AND save money. We cover:

  • Resources and toolkits
  • Sustainable product discounts
  • Case studies from real restaurants
  • Recognition programs you can enjoy today.

Presented by The Surfrider Foundation, Alliance for the Great Lakes, and Shedd Aquarium.

Related links:

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The post Webinar: Reducing Plastic Foodware, Protecting our Great Lakes — Training for Restaurants appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2025/09/webinar-reducing-plastic-foodware-protecting-our-great-lakes-training-for-restaurants/

tfazzini

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In: Plastic pollution in the Great Lakes

Earlier this year, we asked our Illinois supporters to send a message to their legislators: keep plastic pollution out of the Great Lakes and our drinking water. Our supporters delivered in a big way! They sent over 1,750 messages to Illinois legislators – and they asked their friends and colleagues to send messages, too.

Thanks to our supporters, a key bill has made major steps forward. Legislation that would phase out the sale of single-use plastic foam cups and food containers has passed the Illinois Senate and the House Energy and Environment Committee. Our next step is passing it out of the Illinois House and moving this critical bill to the Governor’s desk. We will be working hard to get it over the finish line this year.

Plastic foam, most commonly known as Styrofoam, is the third most common litter item collected during our Adopt-a-Beach cleanups. Foam is exceptionally hard to recycle and breaks down easily into toxic environmental microplastic particles. This critical bill reduces plastic pollution at the source by restricting the sale and distribution of foam food containers. 

We’re so grateful to everyone who made an impact in advancing this important legislation!

In a related bill, the Illinois General Assembly has passed the PFAS Product Ban, which is now on its way to the Governor for his signature. PFAS is one among thousands of chemicals used in the manufacturing of some plastics. This important bill will prohibit the use of this toxic chemical in the manufacturing of children’s products, cosmetics, intimate apparel such as sleepwear or underwear, menstrual products, and dental floss. This law represents a significant step in reducing the use of toxic chemicals in manufacturing.

We’ll continue pushing for legislation – like the foam food ware phase-out – that reduces plastic pollution in Illinois. We’ll keep you up to date on our progress and ways you can continue making a difference. Together we can make a lasting impact to ensure clean drinking water and protect our beautiful Lake Michigan.

Thank you again for protecting Lake Michigan and our drinking water!

2X MATCH: Stand Up Against Plastic Pollution

This July, your donation doubles! Together, we can protect the Great Lakes from plastic pollution and ensure these waters are clean for future generations.

Donate Today

The post Plastic Foam Legislation Advances in Illinois appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2025/07/plastic-foam-legislation-advances-in-illinois/

Judy Freed

On:
In: microplastics, Plastic pollution in the Great Lakes

What can be done to address the growing problem of pollution caused by plastic in Great Lakes water? Watch our conversation with Great Lakes policy experts, researchers, and legislators about the latest efforts. Hear about new state legislation to reduce the worst plastics. Learn about new research and innovations, including recommendations for Great Lakes-wide monitoring of plastic pollution. Understand policy efforts to move the issue forward. This webinar was affiliated with Chicago Water Week, presented by Current.

Panelists:

  • Illinois State Senator Laura Fine
  • Andrea Densham, Senior Policy Advisor, Alliance for the Great Lakes
  • Chelsea Rochman, Assistant Professor, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto
  • Timothy Hoellein, Professor, Department of Biology, Loyola University Chicago
  • Tom Fazzini (moderator), Communications Director, Alliance for the Great Lakes

During the webinar, we shared links to several resources including:

Ready to take action?

The post Webinar: Reducing Plastic Pollution in the Great Lakes appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2025/05/webinar-reducing-plastic-pollution-in-the-great-lakes/

tfazzini

On:
In: microplastics, Plastic pollution in the Great Lakes

Illinoisans are sending a clear message to their representatives: keep plastic out of the Great Lakes and our drinking water. This year, they’ve sent over 1,200 messages (and counting!) to their state representatives. Over 30 Great Lakes scientists also recently joined the call. 

Andrea Densham, Senior Policy Advisor, speaks at the Illinois State Capital in support of plastic reduction bills. Photo courtesy of Illinois Environmental Council.
Andrea Densham, Senior Policy Advisor, speaks at the Illinois State Capital in support of plastic reduction bills. Photo courtesy of Illinois Environmental Council.

In its 2025 spring session, the Illinois state legislature is considering several important bills. In March, measures that would phase out both single-use foam foodware and plastic bags passed a key Illinois Senate committee. The Alliance and our partners are in Springfield and continuing to push these bills forward. 

In addition, the Alliance is also working hard on bills to prevent dangerous pre-production plastic pellet pollution, protect our waterways from microfibers, and skip unnecessary single-use plastic foodware utensils. 

The Alliance’s Senior Policy Advisor, Andrea Densham, has testified in Illinois Senate and House committees and spoke at a recent press conference at the State Capital with hundreds of advocates working to ensure these critically important bills pass. We’re securing protections for the Great Lakes and drinking water and bringing Alliance supporters’ letters directly to our Illinois General Assembly members. 

At a time when the federal government is cutting back on protections for our water, states and local communities can step up in important ways to protect our health and environment. 

Microplastics from the Great Lakes. Photo courtesy of Dr. Sherri Mason.

Plastics never really go away 

Plastic pollution is a highly pervasive threat to the health of our environment and all Illinoisans. Plastic never fully goes away. Instead, it breaks up into toxic microplastics that infiltrate our waterways. Researchers have found microplastics in the food we eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe. The most effective way to reduce microplastics is to stop plastic from entering our environment in the first place. 

Illinois bills that can make a difference 

Bills to address some of the biggest sources of Great Lakes microplastic are under consideration. 

Eliminating wasteful single-use plastic – Foam Food Ware – SB1531, Sen. Laura Fine 

Plastic foam, most commonly known as Styrofoam, is the third most common litter item collected during our Adopt-a-Beach cleanups. Foam is exceptionally hard to recycle and breaks down easily into toxic environmental microplastic particles. This critical bill reduces plastic pollution at the source by restricting the sale and distribution of foam food containers. 

Eliminating wasteful single-use plastic – Plastic Bags – SB1872, Sen. Cristina Castro 

A single-use plastic shopping bag is used for just 12 minutes yet can persist for 10 to 20 years as it slowly breaks apart into microplastics. Plastic bags can harm the environment, wildlife, and people. Fish and other aquatic wildlife can ingest pieces of plastic bags. This important bill would reduce plastic film bags at checkout and establish a statewide solution to the growing plastic bag challenge.  

Protecting our waterways from microfibers – HB1370/ SB30, Rep. Daniel Didech / Sen. Julie A. Morrison 

The most common microplastics in the environment are microfibers, tiny thread-like pieces of plastic shed from synthetic textiles like polyester, rayon, nylon, acrylic, and fleece. Just a single load of laundry can release up to 18 million microfibers. Wastewater treatment plants cannot filter out the microfibers entirely, so they end up in our environment and our water. This bill will address this problem by adding a microfiber filter to new washing machines by 2030, much like lint filters in dryers, preventing millions of microfibers from becoming pollution. The bill is supported by over 30 Great Lakes scientists who study the issue. 

Pre-production plastic pellets on the side of a railway.
A spill of pre-production plastic pellets, sometimes called nurdles. Photo courtesy of Dr. Sherri Mason.

Preventing Dangerous Pre-production Plastic Pellet Pollution – HB3278, Rep. Joyce Mason 

Pre-production plastic pellets, sometimes called nurdles, often spill from manufacturing facilities during storage, movement, or plant operations. These pellets, which contain high concentrations of toxic petrochemicals, have been found in terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems, impacting our drinking water sources. HB 3278 is part of the first step in advancing a solution by instructing Illinois EPA to develop a plan and set of requirements to control plastic pellets and other preproduction plastic materials and prevent them from entering the environment and contaminating our drinking water. 

Skip the Stuff –  HB1600, Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz  

In order to reduce single-use plastic pollution, this bill provides that take-out food delivery services provide customers disposable food ware upon request only. 

 What you can do 

  • If you live in other Great Lakes states, your state and local elected officials need to hear from you. Our Plastic Free Great Lakes Toolkit provides you the resources to write op-ed in local news outlets, reach out to your elected officials, and increase support from your neighbors and friends. 

The post Plastic Reduction Bills Could Make Big Impact in Illinois appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

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News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2025/04/plastic-reduction-bills-could-make-big-impact-in-illinois/

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In: microplastics, Plastic pollution in the Great Lakes

More than 30 Great Lakes scientists have called on Illinois legislators to establish a science-based standard for capturing plastic microfibers released from washing machines. By setting a standard, not a specific technology, and phasing it in over five years, a bill currently under consideration in the Illinois legislature allows washing machine manufacturers the flexibility and time to integrate this standard into new machines and products. This legislation will significantly reduce the amount of plastic microfiber pollution entering our lakes, rivers, lands, and local wastewater systems, thereby protecting our drinking water. 

Microfiber threads on a white background from a sample of Great Lakes water.
Microfibers found in a sample of Great Lakes water. Photo courtesy of Dr. Sherri Mason.

One existing technology is microfiber filters, which are similar to lint filters in the dryer. Microfiber filters can capture 90% of microfibers from a load of laundry. 

Protecting the Great Lakes from the environmental and health risks of plastic microfiber pollution is critical. The Great Lakes provide drinking water for more than 30 million people and are home to diverse and increasingly threatened wildlife. Plastic in the environment never really goes away. Instead, it breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces, known as microplastics.  

Plastic microfibers are the most prevalent form of microplastics in environmental samples and represent over 90% of microplastics ingested by marine animals. Plastic microfibers come from plastic-based textiles and clothing. More than 18 million microfibers can be released in just one load of laundry. In animals, ingestion of microfibers has been shown to reduce food consumption, reduce energy for growth, alter gene expression, and block digestive tracts. An ever-expanding body of research is identifying the human health impacts of microplastics. 

Microfibers are common throughout the Great Lakes habitats and wildlife, including streams, rivers, agricultural soils, and wildlife. They flow via washing machine effluent into wastewater treatment plants, primarily resulting in the biosolids left over from treatment. These biosolids are then applied to Illinois lands as fertilizer, releasing microfibers into the environment and contaminating agricultural soils. A recent analysis showed that Illinois is among the top five states with the most abundant microplastics from biosolids. 

Worse yet, microfibers are a persistent pollutant. Once in the environment, they are nearly impossible to clean up, which is why it is critical to prevent these particles from escaping into the environment in the first place. 

The scientist’s letter expresses support for Illinois General Assembly bill HB1370, sponsored by Illinois State Representatives Daniel Didech and Kim du Buclet, along with companion Senate bill SB0030, sponsored by Illinois State Senator Julie A. Morrison. These bills are currently being considered during the spring session of the Illinois General Assembly. 

The full text of the letter is below:

The Honorable Carol Ammons, Chair 
Illinois General Assembly 
House Energy and Environment Committee

RE: Support for–Microfiber Prevention and Washing Machine Filtration Legislation HB 1370  

Dear Chair Carol Ammons, 

We want to express our support for the microfiber filtration legislation, which will significantly reduce the amount of microfiber pollution entering lakes, rivers, lands, and local wastewater systems, preventing harm to our drinking water. 

“Microfibers” are small thread-like microplastic fibers less than 5 mm. They are derived from textiles and typically contain chemical additives, including dyes and plasticizers, to give the finished product characteristics such as heat resistance, waterproofing, flexibility, and antimicrobial properties. 

Microfibers are generated throughout the entire lifecycle of clothing manufacturing and cleaning.  Washing clothes is a primary source of microfibers to the environment because up to 18 million microfibers can be released during a single wash[1]. In fact, the amount of microfibers released from 100,000 fleece jackets could be as high as 0.65 – 3.91 kg (1.4 – 8.6 lbs.). Microfibers from washing clothes enter wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) – which are not engineered to capture microfibers – so a meaningful fraction makes it through to the treated effluent. For example, a team of Illinois researchers measured microplastics in raw sewage, sludge, and treated effluent at a few sites in the Chicago suburbs. A recent analysis showed that the relatively small WWTP in Bartlett, Illinois, which treats 1.9 million gallons of wastewater/day, releases approximately 9,500 microplastic particles into the DuPage River every day. Within WWTPs, most microfibers are captured in the sewage sludge (biosolids)[2]. Under current best practices in Illinois, the sewage sludge is converted to ‘biosolids’, or fertilizer, that must be land applied. Biosolids containing microfibers are thus used by our state’s farmers and homeowners and, from there, can pollute terrestrial environments, the air, and our waterways.   

Countless studies have revealed that microfibers are one of the most abundant types of microplastic globally, including in Illinois and the Great Lakes region. Microfibers are common throughout the Great Lakes habitats and wildlife, including streams, rivers, agricultural soils, and wildlife. For example, a recent study examined fish collected in Chicago-area rivers over the last 100 years, stored at the Field Museum of Natural History[3]. The results showed that microplastics, including microfibers, first appeared in fish digestive tracts in the mid-1900s and have increased in abundance since then.[4] This study concluded that although microplastic pollution is a relatively recent focus of research, its presence in the environment has been a feature of industrial plastic production since it began.[5] [6] Microfibers have unique negative effects on wildlife and humans compared to other microplastics. They have a distinct shape from other microplastics and are associated with a different suite of chemicals from manufacturing and environmental exposure. Microfibers can act as a vector for the transport of toxic chemicals such as PFAS, brominated flame retardants, and harmful dyes, posing risks to wildlife, the environment, drinking water, and people. In addition, microplastics can harbor some disease-causing microorganisms as they move through WWTPs and enter our rivers. Although research on the chemical fate and toxicity from microfibers is still in its infancy, findings demonstrate that microfibers can alter feeding behavior, reproduction, and survival. A review of the health impacts of microplastics on mammals showed inflammation and oxidative stress were consistent effects of microplastic exposure across species.[7] Studies on human health implications are still emerging, but recent research has shown a link between microfibers in lung tissue and tumor formation. 

Communities throughout the Great Lakes region rely on their clean and abundant water for many uses, including drinking water. Microplastics are widespread in the Great Lakes, and not all are captured during filtration and chemical treatment of drinking water. Microfibers also pollute groundwater, another common source of drinking water for many communities in our region.[8] Agricultural soils are also contaminated with microfibers, which likely originates from the use of biosolids on farm fields. A recent analysis showed the states with the greatest abundance of microplastics from biosolids are Nebraska, Minnesota, Iowa, and Illinois.[9]   

Worse yet, microfibers are a persistent pollutant. Once in the environment, they are nearly impossible to clean up, which is why upstream interventions are critical in preventing these particles from escaping into the environment in the first place. Thus, it is essential to reduce the sources of microfibers now before their environmental impact further increases. 

Interventions that capture microfibers before they’re released to wastewater are needed now to address microfiber pollution. The filtration systems required by HB 4269 are a solution we know to be effective from numerous laboratory studies and field investigations. A 100 μm filter, as would be required under HB 4269, can capture up to 90% of microfibers in a load of laundry. Furthermore, they can also be an effective solution at the regional scale; a community-level study of filters installed in 97 homes in Ontario, Canada, showed a significant reduction in microfibers in the wastewater system after installing filters. 

Illinois has the opportunity, with Washing Machine Microfiber Filtration legislation, to lead the nation once again in addressing microplastic pollution. With effective filtration solutions available, we cannot afford to wait to address the threats of microfiber pollution from our drinking water and from flowing into our environment. As representatives of the scientific community, we suggest acting now, before environmental concentrations reach an even higher level that exacerbates harm to wildlife, drinking water, people, and the planet. 

Sincerely, 

Timothy Hoellein, Ph.D.
Professor
Department of Biology
Loyola University Chicago

John Kelly
Biology Department Chair, Professor
Loyola University Chicago

Reuben P. Keller, PhD
Professor, Graduate Program Director
School of Environmental Sustainability
Loyola University Chicago

Sherri Mason
Associate Research Professor and Director of Sustainability,
Penn State Behrend

Chelsea Rochman
Assistant Professor
Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Head of Operations & Science Programming and Application Lead U of T Trash Team
University of Toronto, Canada

Aaron Packman
Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Northwestern University

Mike M. McMahon
Strategic Partnerships Administrator
Paula M. Trienens Institute for Sustainability and Energy

Caleb D. McMahan
Head of Zoology Collections
Collections Manager, Fishes
Field Museum of Natural History

Sarah Zhou Rosengard
Assistant Prof
School of the Art Institute of Chicago

John W Scott
Associate Research Scientist, Senior Analytical Chemist,
Illinois Sustainable Technology Center

Dr. Bill Perry
Professor of Ecology
Illinois State University

Jaclyn Wegner
Director, Conservation Action
Shedd Aquarium

Austin Happel
Research Biologist
Shedd Aquarium

Carolyn Foley
Research Coordinator
Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant
Purdue University

Tomas Höök
Department of Forestry and Natural Resources
Purdue University

Robert Stelzer Ph.D.
Professor and Graduate Coordinator
Department of Biology
University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh

Eric Strauss
Professor, Dept. Biology
University of Wisconsin, LaCrosse

Dr. Lorena Rios Mendoza
Professor, Natural Sciences Department
University of Wisconsin, Superior

Catherine Searle
Assistant Professor
Perdue University

Gary Lamberti
Professor, Department of Biology
University of Notre Dame

Jennifer Tank
Ludmilla F., Stephen J., and Robert T. Galla Professor of Biological Sciences
Director of Environmental Change Initiative (ND ECI)
University of Notre Dame

Alan D. Steinman
Allen and Helen Hunting Research Professor
Grand Valley State University

Donna Kashian
Professor, Director of Environmental Science
Wayne State University

Suchy, Amanda
Post doctoral researcher
Central Michigan University

Melissa Duhaime
Dept Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
University of Michigan

Matthew Hoffman
Professor, School of Mathematics and Statistics
Rochester Institute of Technology

Christy Tyler
Associate Professor and Director of the Graduate Program in Environmental Science
Rochester Institute of Technology

Melissa Maurer-Jones
Associate Professor, Swenson College of Science and Engineering
University of Minnesota – Duluth

Diane Orihel
Associate Professor, Queen’s National Scholar in Aquatic Ecotoxicology
School of Environmental Studies/Department of Biology
Queen’s University, Canada

Michael Rennie
Canada Research Chair in Freshwater Ecology and Fisheries
Associate Professor and Graduate Coordinator, Department of Biology
Director, Aquatic Toxicology Research Centre
Lakehead University, Canada

Rebecca Rooney
Principal Investigator, Waterloo Wetland Lab
Associate Professor, Department of Biology
University of Waterloo

Patricia Corcoran
Professor, Dept. of Earth Sciences
University of Western Ontario, Canada

Tony Walker
Professor, School for Resource and Environmental Studies
Dalhousie University, Canada

Scott Higgins
Senior Research Scientist
International Institute for Sustainable Development -Experimental Lakes Area

Michael Paterson
Senior Research Scientist
International Institute for Sustainable Development -Experimental Lakes Area

[1] Scott J, Prada A, Green L. The Transport of Emerging Contaminants (Microplastics and PFAS) in Landfill-Wastewater Treatment Systems. TR Series (Illinois Sustainable Technology Center); 80. 2023. https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/items/128768 

[2] Kelly, J.J., London, M.G., McCormick, A.R., Rojas, M., Scott, J.W. and Hoellein, T.J., 2021. Wastewater treatment alters microbial colonization of microplastics. PloS one, 16(1), p.e0244443. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0244443 

[3] Hoellein T, Rovegno C, Uhrin AV, Johnson E, Herring C. Microplastics in invasive freshwater mussels (Dreissena sp.): spatiotemporal variation and occurrence with chemical contaminants. Frontiers in Marine Science. 2021 Jun 29;8:690401. 

[4] Lenaker PL, Baldwin AK, Corsi SR, Mason SA, Reneau PC, Scott JW. Vertical distribution of microplastics in the water column and surficial sediment from the Milwaukee River Basin to Lake Michigan. Environmental science & technology. 2019 Oct 16;53(21):12227-37. 

[5] Koyuncuoğlu P, Erden G. Sampling, pre-treatment, and identification methods of microplastics in sewage sludge and their effects in agricultural soils: a review. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment. 2021 Apr;193:1-28. 

[6] Hou L, McMahan CD, McNeish RE, Munno K, Rochman CM, Hoellein TJ. A fish tale: a century of museum specimens reveal increasing microplastic concentrations in freshwater fish. Ecological Applications. 2021 Jul;31(5):e02320. https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/eap.2320 

[7] Coffin S, Bouwmeester H, Brander S, Damdimopoulou P, Gouin T, Hermabessiere L, Khan E, Koelmans AA, Lemieux CL, Teerds K, Wagner M. Development and application of a health-based framework for informing regulatory action in relation to exposure of microplastic particles in California drinking water. Microplastics and Nanoplastics. 2022 May 25;2(1):12. 

[8] Panno SV, Kelly WR, Scott J, Zheng W, McNeish RE, Holm N, Hoellein TJ, Baranski EL. Microplastic contamination in karst groundwater systems. Groundwater. 2019 Mar;57(2):189-96. 

[9] Naderi Beni N, Karimifard S, Gilley J, Messer T, Schmidt A, Bartelt-Hunt S. Higher concentrations of microplastics in runoff from biosolid-amended croplands than manure-amended croplands. Communications Earth & Environment. 2023 Feb 20;4(1):42. 

The post Great Lakes Scientists Support Illinois Bill to Protect Drinking Water from Plastic Microfibers appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2025/03/great-lakes-scientists-support-illinois-bill-to-protect-drinking-water-from-plastic-microfibers/

tfazzini

On:
In: Agricultural runoff, Combined sewer overflows, Drinking Water, great lakes restoration, Green stormwater infrastructure, invasive carp, Plastic pollution in the Great Lakes

Significant progress continues to be made in protecting and restoring the Great Lakes, but much more needs to be done. The federal government plays a major role in this work by funding projects, administering programs, and enforcing rules. With a permanent presence in Washington, D.C., the Alliance for the Great Lakes advocates to federal decision makers to ensure the region’s voices are heard. We update and release our federal priorities each year.

2025 Federal Great Lakes Policy Priorities.

Although increased federal funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act allowed states and the federal government to address drinking and wastewater infrastructure backlogs, removal of lead water service lines, and the cleanup of toxic legacy pollution, we still have too many Great Lakers experiencing polluted water too often. Invasive species continue to threaten the lakes, nutrient runoff from agriculture causes toxic algae blooms, and plastic pollutes our shorelines and contaminates our drinking water.

In our 2025 federal policy priorities, we’ve identified opportunities for the 119th Congress and the Trump Administration to address these challenges in collaboration with states and local communities. Many of these priorities are familiar systemic problems that take time to resolve. But as we’ve shown through efforts like stopping invasive carp, working on a big challenge for a decade or more is often what it takes to finally get the right solution.

For the upcoming year, Congress and the Trump Administration must work together to pass an annual federal budget to provide states with sufficient federal resources to fix our ailing water infrastructure; enact a Farm Bill that will reduce the flow of nutrient pollution into the lakes; maintain progress on key federal projects intended to stop invasive species, including the Brandon Road Interbasin Project; and provide funding for, and reauthorize, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative to continue support for on-the-ground restoration projects benefiting many communities throughout the Great Lakes region. Water pollution, and the resulting health and economic burdens, fall unequally on people in cities and towns across the Great Lakes. Federal decision makers should shape policy to ensure that all Great Lakers have access to safe, clean, and affordable water.

Read on for full details of our 2025 Great Lakes federal policy priorities, or download the fact sheet to learn more.

Water infrastructure.

Ensure clean water protects the health of people and natural resources

Clean water is a basic need for all. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed by Congress late in 2021 was an important down payment to fix the nation’s failing and outdated water infrastructure. The funding jump-started efforts to replace dangerous lead pipes, fix leaky pipes, and stop sewage overflows from entering our lakes and people’s homes.

However, the funding is only a start and recent surveys indicate that water infrastructure needs have grown in the last several years. EPA’s 7th national Drinking Water Needs Information Survey and Assessment, completed in 2023, and the Clean Watershed Needs Survey completed in 2024, estimate that the Great Lakes region will need at least $290.3 billion over the next twenty years to fix our water infrastructure problems. This is an increase from the last national surveys and indicates that federal funding is not keeping up with needs. As a result, we need to keep the pressure on Congress to provide additional funds for water infrastructure programs and to strengthen them to ensure that money reaches communities with the highest needs. One of the most important ways the federal government provides this infrastructure funding to states and municipalities is through State Revolving Funds.

In addition, in 2024 the EPA released its first-ever Water Affordability Needs Assessment, which found that 12.1 to 19.2 million households lack access to affordable water service. This is a major public health risk that compels urgent federal action. One of the recommendations in the report is for Congress to pass legislation establishing a national water affordability program. We agree and plan to work with our partners and Congress to advocate for the establishment of a national water affordability program.

In 2025, we urge Congress to:

  • Increase annual funding to at least $9.3 billion for the Drinking Water and Clean Water State Revolving Funds
  • Set aside at least 20 percent of the Clean Water State Revolving Fund as grants for green infrastructure projects such as green roofs, permeable pavement, and additional green spaces
  • Pass a federal ban on residential water shutoffs
  • Establish a federal program to provide financial assistance for water and sewer bills

In 2025, we urge the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to:

  • Require that states accepting federal funds increase funding and technical assistance for communities bearing the greatest burden of pollution so that they are equipped to apply for and receive funding through State Revolving Funds to replace toxic lead water pipes, repair malfunctioning sewers, and stop community flooding

Download the water infrastructure fact sheet.

Great Lakes restoration.

Fund and reauthorize the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative

The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) is one of the most important tools in the region’s toolbox to protect and restore the lakes. The program has provided funding with near-universal bipartisan and public support for on-the-ground restoration projects, from wetland restoration to cleaning up toxic hot spots. The GLRI also provides major economic benefits. For every dollar spent by the program, an additional three dollars of value is added to the regional economy. In 2024, EPA relied on up-to-date science and extensive input from across the Great Lakes to issue the five-year Action Plan IV for the program to address the most critical threats to the region. The GLRI is also supporting significant progress to address the removal of toxic legacy pollution at Areas of Concern, a number of highly degraded areas that require extensive remediation throughout the Great Lakes.

In 2025, we urge Congress to:

  • Fund the GLRI with at least $475 million for FY 2026
  • Reauthorize the GLRI program at $500 million per year for five years from FY 2027-2031

In 2025, we urge the Environmental Protection Agency to:

  • Propose the authorized level of GLRI funding at $475 million for FY 2026
  • Make progress on finishing cleanup of most Areas of Concern by 2030, and implement Action Plan IV to address community needs for Great Lakes restoration

Download the Great Lakes restoration fact sheet.

Agriculture.

Pass a Farm Bill that prioritizes clean water

Agriculture is the largest unaddressed source of nonpoint pollution in the Great Lakes region. Nonpoint pollution is pollution that doesn’t come from a single identifiable source such as a pipe, but instead originates from many places over a wide area. This runoff from agricultural lands puts the Great Lakes at risk. It pollutes drinking water by causing toxic algal blooms, threatens wildlife, harms the tourism economy, and prevents people from enjoying recreation on the Great Lakes. Ultimately these problems demand that the agriculture industry demonstrate it can operate safely without fouling our water.

Every five years, Congress develops a “Farm Bill,” a major package of legislation that sets the agenda and funding for national farm and food policy. Congress passed one-year extensions of the Farm Bill in 2023 and 2024, so in 2025 Congress can pass a Farm Bill that ensures farms produce clean water, not pollution, along with their crops.

In 2025, we urge Congress to pass a Farm Bill that:

  • Increases funding for U.S. Department of Agriculture conservation programs
  • Includes provisions to ensure accountability for farm conservation programs aimed at stopping runoff pollution from agricultural lands

Download the agriculture fact sheet.

Plastic pollution.

Pass legislation to stop plastic pollution

Researchers estimate that 22 million pounds of plastic pollution enter the Great Lakes each year. Plastic pollution isn’t just an unsightly problem in our waterways. It’s estimated that humans ingest a credit card-sized amount of plastic each week, with unknown long-term consequences for our health.

For many years, efforts to stop plastic pollution put the responsibility on individuals, such as recycling. But only a fraction of plastic produced each year is recycled, leaving the remainder to end up in landfills or as litter that lands in our waterways. The alternative is to require plastic producers to be responsible for their products through their lifecycle, which is called extended producer responsibility. Congress has an opportunity to be a leader on this issue.

In 2025, we urge Congress to pass legislation that:

  • Makes plastic producers responsible for reduction of plastic waste
  • Reduces the federal government’s use of single-use plastics including polystyrene foam
  • Funds additional research on the public health impact of plastics

Download the plastic pollution fact sheet.

Invasive Species.

Protect the Great Lakes from aquatic invasive species

Invasive species have caused irreparable harm to the Great Lakes ecosystem and cost the region billions of dollars at least since the mid-20th century. Preventing them from ever entering is the best way to protect the Great Lakes. Invasive bighead and silver carp are still a major risk. Established populations of invasive carp are only 50 miles from Chicago and Lake Michigan. But it’s not too late to prevent them from reaching the lakes. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is implementing additional carp prevention measures at the Brandon Road Lock and Dam near Joliet, Illinois. The facility is fully authorized by Congress, supported by the Great Lakes states, and is a critical choke point in the waterways leading to Lake Michigan. Congress and federal agencies must continue to support this project, which has broken ground and is under construction.

In 2025, we urge Congress to:

  • Provide federal funding to initiate the design and engineering phase for the second increment of construction (the first increment is underway) at the Brandon Road Interbasin Project, which is intended to stop invasive carp from entering the Great Lakes

In 2025, we urge the Army Corps of Engineers to:

  • Continue implementing the first phase of construction at the Brandon Road Interbasin Project
  • Initiate planning, design, and engineering for the second increment of construction so that it can be completed in time for the second increment to follow seamlessly when the first increment is complete

Download the invasive species fact sheet.

Join Us February 20

Join the webinar to learn more about these critical issues. You’ll hear from members of our team who presented our federal priorities to members of Congress in meetings at the Capitol.

Register for the Webinar

The post How Washington Can Support the Great Lakes in 2025 appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2025/01/how-washington-can-support-the-great-lakes-in-2025/

Judy Freed

On:
In: Climate change in the Great Lakes, Drinking Water, Drinking water affordability, Environmental Justice, Lead service lines, Plastic pollution in the Great Lakes

This year’s Healing Our Waters (HOW) Conference in Chicago brought together advocates, community leaders, and passionate individuals to address major issues facing the Great Lakes, including the pressing issue of water justice. The event focused on solutions, driven by people committed to ensuring that clean water and proper sanitation are accessible to everyone—especially those living in underserved communities. Many members of the Alliance for the Great Lakes team attended the conference, led panels, and participated in planning. Over the two days, one message was clear: this is a fight for fairness, and the people on the ground are leading the charge. 

Spotlight on Chicago’s Fight for Water Justice 

Meleah Geertsma, Director of Clean Water and Equity at the Alliance for the Great Lakes, facilitated a thoughtful discussion on how community advocates in Chicago have been battling against unfair land use and zoning policies that have harmed neighborhoods for decades. These advocates are using a civil rights legal framework to fight for water justice, focusing especially on issues like flooding and inadequate sanitation systems. They’re not doing it alone—there’s a collaborative effort with city government to make lasting changes. 

Meleah began by asking the audience key questions, like how familiar they were with environmental justice cases such as Sackett, a recent environmental law case that weakened the Clean Water Act, and Zanesville, which relied on civil rights law to address denial of water service for a community in Ohio. The responses varied, revealing that while some cases are well-known, especially environmental law decisions, there’s still a need for greater awareness and education about how civil rights law can be an effective tool in the fight for environmental justice. 

Left to Right: Gaby Wagener-Sobrero, Rob Weinstock, Olga Bautista and Meleah Geertsma

Insights from the Panel 

The panel brought together three leaders who have been on the frontlines of the fight for water justice: 

  • Olga Bautista, Executive Director of the Southeast Environmental Task Force, shared how years of hard work resulted in a groundbreaking agreement between the City of Chicago and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. She emphasized that viewing water justice through a civil rights lens has been essential in getting local government to take long-overdue action. 
  • Rob Weinstock, Director of the Environmental Advocacy Center at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, highlighted the importance of legal support for communities. He explained that his team’s mission is to equip these communities with the legal tools they need to keep pushing for the changes they deserve. 
  • Gaby Wagener-Sobrero, Environmental Justice Manager for the Chicago Department of Environment, spoke about the shift happening within the city government. She explained that they are now prioritizing communities that have been neglected for too long, working closely with local advocates to address water justice concerns. 

More than 40 people attended the panel. The presence of a representative from the City of Chicago, working alongside community and legal experts demonstrated the growing collaboration between the government and the people who are most affected by these issues. 

Celebrating Success and Looking Forward 

Angela Larson

Angela Larsen, Director of Planning and a member of the conference host committee, played a key role in shaping several discussions throughout the event. Her focus was on celebrating the successes of community-driven efforts and ensuring that future strategies are built around the voices of those most impacted by water issues. Angela made it clear: if we want real change, community vision must be at the heart of every decision. 

Tom Zimnicki

Tom Zimnicki, the Alliance’s Agriculture & Restoration Policy Director presented on his team’s work monitoring water quality and implementing conservation practices in the Lake Erie watershed. The goal of the project is to reduce harmful algal blooms that make the lake’s water toxic to fish, wildlife, pets, and people. They’re deploying sensors in key watersheds in the Western Basin of Lake Erie to track nutrient runoff, primarily from agricultural land uses, which enters streams and tributaries to Lake Erie and fuels the algal blooms.  

Hands-On Learning at Oak Street Beach 

Beyond the panels, attendees were able to take part in hands-on learning during a field trip to Oak Street Beach. Hosted by the Alliance for the Great Lakes, Shedd Aquarium, and Save the Dunes, the field trip involved a beach cleanup as part of the “Great Lakes Litter Data” initiative. More than 26 participants joined in, removing over 2,000 pieces of litter—including plastic, foam, and cigarette butts. It was not only a chance to help clean the lakefront but also an opportunity to learn more about plastic pollution and the impact of community science. 

The Power of Community Advocacy 

From insightful panel discussions to hands-on activities, the HOW Conference was a demonstration of the power of community advocacy. It showed how real change happens when communities, legal experts, and government officials come together with a shared vision. This conference may be over, but the fight for water justice is far from finished as we work to ensure equitable access to clean water across the Great Lakes. 

The post Healing Our Waters Conference Recap: Community Voices Leading the Charge for Water Justice  appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2024/10/healing-our-water-conference-recap-community-voices-leading-the-charge-for-water-justice/

Michelle Farley

On:
In: Plastic pollution in the Great Lakes

Chicago, IL (August 12, 2024) – On Friday, Governor Pritzker signed the Small Single-Use Plastic Bottle Act (SB2960) into law, which requires hotels with 50 or more rooms to eliminate the use of small, single-use plastic bottles containing personal care products in individual rooms and public bathrooms beginning July 1, 2025. By Jan. 1, 2026, all hotels are expected to make this transition. This law encourages the use of innovative reusable solutions while reducing the amount of plastic waste in our lakes – the source of drinking water for 40 million people – and serves as a model for the Great Lakes region to follow. 

“I commend Governor Pritzker, Senator Fine, and the Illinois Legislature for their leadership in addressing the growing problem of single-use plastic,” said Andrea Densham, Senior Policy Advisor for the Alliance for the Great Lakes. “This new Illinois law is a big step in the right direction, driving innovation and reducing single-use plastics. We must keep advancing stronger laws to reduce plastic production, fix the broken recycling system, move manufacturers and retailers toward using less unnecessary plastic, and shift to reusable alternatives. Now is the time to take the next step by requiring that all washing machines filter out microfibers and banning the use of polystyrene foam containers that pollute our waterways.” 

“The Small Single-Use Plastic Bottle Act is exactly what we mean when we say we need upstream solutions. Plastic pollution that ends up in our rivers and the Great Lakes ultimately feed into the ocean. With tens of millions of visitors staying in Illinois hotels every year, this bill will significantly reduce plastic production and pollution. We are glad to see Illinois take this critical step and hope that other states will follow suit,” said Ocean Conservancy’s Vice President of External Affairs, Jeff Watters, an Illinois native. 

“This new law is a success story of how policy advocacy takes individual action to the next level,” Illinois Environmental Council Executive Director Jen Walling said. “We have such a strong and growing community of concerned Illinoisans who are increasingly recognizing the single-use plastic crisis we’re facing. When they raise their voices and contact their lawmakers, our collective advocacy can drive policy change to tackle plastic pollution at scale.” 

“Illinois is a national leader in protecting the environment,” said State Sen. Laura Fine. “With this new law, the hotel industry will join our efforts. By reducing their footprint and opting for more economical and environmentally-friendly toiletry options, Illinois’ hotel industry will keep thousands of pounds of plastic out of our landfills and waterways over the years.” 

“The advocates from the Illinois Environmental Council and their members were great partners in this work to reduce single-use plastic pollution in our communities this past session,” said State Rep. Kam Buckner. “Today, Illinois takes another step toward protecting people and our environment from the growing dangers associated with single-use and microplastic pollution. I’m excited to continue this critical work together.” 

Unrecyclable, single-use plastics are choking the environment. More than 22 million pounds of plastic pollution end up in the Great Lakes every year, and these plastics never fully biodegrade. Instead, they break down into smaller and smaller pieces known as “microplastics.” 

Researchers have found stunningly high amounts of these microplastics in all five Great Lakes, which provide drinking water for 40 million people. They’ve found microplastics in Great Lakes fish, drinking water, bottled water, and beer, posing potential threats to human health. 

By targeting unnecessary single-use plastics, SB2960 would have ripple effects across multiple sectors, such as reducing the purchase of single-use products, encouraging reusable solutions and sparking business innovation, and preventing costly, unrecyclable plastic waste from filling up local municipal waste systems – where taxpayers bear the burden. These actions also protect our Great Lakes, water, and environment, all at the same time.   

The Illinois legislature is also considering several other bills to address plastic pollution, such as legislation that would prevent microplastic pollution with washing machine filters and banning foam foodware.

###

Contact:

Don Carr, Media Director, Alliance for the Great Lakes, dcarr@greatlakes.org

Roya Fox, Senior Communications Manager, Ocean Conservancy, rfox@oceanconservancy.org

Hannah Flath, Illinois Environmental Council, hannah@ilenviro.org

The post Illinois First Great Lakes State to Reduce Single-Use Plastic Bottles in Hotels appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2024/08/illinois-first-great-lakes-state-to-reduce-single-use-plastic-bottles-in-hotels/

Judy Freed

On:
In: Adopt-a-Beach, Plastic pollution in the Great Lakes
A photo of Adopt-a-Beach volunteers surrounds ABC World News Tonight anchor Linsey Davis.

Adopt-a-Beach made a big splash in the media this spring, raising awareness about plastic pollution and solutions. And 20 years’ worth of Adopt-a-Beach volunteers were part of it.

“One of the things I love about Adopt-a-Beach is how long our volunteers’ work lasts,” said Olivia Reda, Volunteer Engagement Manager and author of the new report Adopt-a-Beach: 20 Years of Great Lakes Litter Data.

“On the days of their cleanups, volunteers keep plastic and other trash out of the Great Lakes. People who see the cleanups are often inspired to do cleanups of their own weeks or months later. And the litter data our volunteers collect becomes part of a 20-plus year dataset that’s helping communities find solutions to plastic pollution.”

Here are some of this spring’s Adopt-a-Beach stories from across the region:

“Thanks again to everyone who volunteers with Adopt-a-Beach,” said Reda. “I am so grateful for each and every action you’ve taken to help protect the Great Lakes!”

A special thanks to this year’s top Adopt-a-Beach sponsors: HSBC, Meijer, and Unilever.

The post Adopt-a-Beach Makes a Splash appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2024/05/adopt-a-beach-makes-a-splash/

Judy Freed

On:
In: Adopt-a-Beach, Plastic pollution in the Great Lakes
Litter Material: 2003-2023. Plastic: 86%. Other: 14%.

CHICAGO, IL (April 11, 2024) – Eighty six percent of litter collected on Great Lakes beaches is composed either partially or fully of plastic, according to a new report released by the Alliance for the Great Lakes. The report is based on 20 years of data collected from more than 14,000 Adopt-a-Beach cleanups on all five Great Lakes. The new analysis details the most common types of plastic items found on Great Lakes shorelines and outlines potential solutions to reduce plastic pollution. In the environment, plastics never go away. Instead, they break down into toxic microplastic particles that make their way into the Great Lakes, a source of drinking water for 40 million people. 

Plastic pollution threatens human health & the environment

“Plastic pollution in the Great Lakes is a threat to both human health and the environment,” said Olivia Reda, the author of the report and the Volunteer Engagement Manager at the Alliance for the Great Lakes. “The volume of plastic found on our shorelines demonstrates the urgent need to pass federal, state, and local laws that reduce plastic pollution getting into the lakes. While our dedicated volunteers are cleaning up literally tons of litter each year, more of this plastic litter enters our waters, where it breaks down into tiny particles that are found in our drinking water.” 

Litter type: 2014-2023. Tiny trash: 40%. Food related: 27%. Smoking related: 22%. Other: 11%.

The data in the report, Adopt-a-Beach: 20 Years of Great Lakes Litter Data, reveals alarming and consistent patterns. Most of the litter is plastic, and many are single-use items – used once and left behind – which contain plastic. Volunteers categorize each piece of litter into a type, such as cigarette butts, plastic beverage bottles, or “tiny trash” including plastic pieces, foam pieces, and glass pieces measuring 2.5 cm or less. For the last 10 years, the top litter items collected are tiny plastic pieces, followed by cigarette butts, tiny foam pieces, plastic bottle caps, and food wrappers. Forty percent of all litter is in the “tiny trash” category.  

Solutions require action beyond individual behavior change

While it’s important for individuals to reduce their plastic use, the report notes that substantially reducing plastic pollution will require action from businesses, governments, and manufacturers. The Alliance for the Great Lakes is calling for implementing Extended Producer Responsibility policies — holding producers responsible across the life cycle of their products and packaging from design and materials to end-of-life management. Such policies have been in place for years in Europe and the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec. More recently California, Colorado, Maine, and Oregon have passed versions of these common-sense solutions, which are now being considered across the Great Lakes basin. 

Shorter-term solutions include reducing or eliminating the most problematic plastics like single-use bags and foam, deploying new technologies such as microfilters in washing machines to remove plastic microfibers before they enter our water systems, stopping the spills of industrial plastic pellets in the Great Lakes, and increasing access to water refilling stations as well as reuse and refill packaging. These types of policy solutions are moving forward in several Great Lakes states. 

The power of citizen science

9,702,320 pieces of litter.

Since launching in 1991, the Alliance’s Adopt-a-Beach cleanups have evolved into the most extensive volunteer program ever to collect data on Great Lakes beach litter. Volunteers receive training and resources to host year-round cleanups in communities in all eight Great Lakes states. Since the start of the program, over 200,000 volunteers have participated in cleanups, removing over 9,700,000 individual pieces and over 535,000 pounds of litter from the shoreline. In 2003, Adopt-a-Beach launched an online database, which is now the largest litter dataset exclusively for the Great Lakes. The data is available publicly and has been used by educators, community advocates, policy makers, and academic researchers. 

“This dataset demonstrates the power of citizen science, when members of the public come together to collect datasets far larger than any single researcher could build,” said Reda. “We are so thankful to the hundreds of thousands of volunteers and supporters who participated in Adopt-a-Beach cleanups over the years. They are environmental heroes committed to reducing litter in their communities and are collecting one-of-a-kind data that will continue shining a light on plastic pollution.” 

Report cover, Adopt-a-Beach: 20 Years of Great Lakes Litter Data.

Read the Report

Download the full report – Adopt-a-Beach: 20 Years of Great Lakes Litter Data, A Story of Plastic Pollution Told Through Citizen Science

Download the Executive Summary

If you would like to join the efforts, sign up for an Adopt-a-Beach cleanup. Learn more about plastic pollution here.

###

Contact: Don Carr, Media Director, dcarr@greatlakes.org

 

The post New Report: Vast Majority of Great Lakes Litter is Plastic appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2024/04/new-report-vast-majority-of-great-lakes-litter-is-plastic/

Judy Freed

On:
In: microplastics, Plastic pollution in the Great Lakes

CHICAGO, IL (March 25, 2024) – Last week on World Water Day, the Alliance for the Great Lakes, Ocean Conservancy, Illinois Environmental Council, and Loyola University scientists held a press conference with partners at the Museum of Science and Industry to discuss protecting the Great Lakes and waterways from the environmental and health risks of microfiber pollution. The Great Lakes provide drinking water for more than 30 million people and are home to diverse and increasingly threatened wildlife. However, the Great Lakes are in the midst of a plastic pollution crisis, with plastic waste increasingly accumulating in our waterways. To address this issue, Illinois lawmakers have introduced a bill that would require microfiber capture devices on all washing machines sold in Illinois by 2030.   

“What happens in Illinois impacts the ocean – whether through the Great Lakes, whose water flows through the St. Lawrence Seaway to the Atlantic, or through the Mississippi River flowing into the Gulf of Mexico. Microplastics can even be carried by evaporated water and spread through our weather systems around the world. Washing machines are a major contributor to plastic microfiber pollution, and Ocean Conservancy is proud to support this bill to stop microplastics at the source,” said Jeff Watters, Vice President, External Affairs at Ocean Conservancy. 

“For over 30 years, Alliance for the Great Lakes Adopt-a-Beach volunteers have been on the front lines of keeping litter off our beaches and out of the Great Lakes by removing over half a million pounds of litter from shorelines since 1991. Most of the litter collected is composed either partially or fully of plastic. The good news is that if we act now, we can stop the pollution before it makes its way into our waterways through simple washing machine filters like those used in dryers. Our dedicated volunteers shouldn’t be the only means to keep plastic pollution out of the Great Lakes. We need smart policies to reduce microplastic pollution, which is why we fully support Illinois House Bill 4269,” said Molly Flanagan, Chief Operating Officer & Vice President for Programs of the Alliance for the Great Lakes.  

“Our research group has been studying litter in our waterways for over 10 years. The vast majority of the trash we find is plastic, and increasingly, microfibers are the most common microplastic in our waterways. Preventing pollution at the source is critical; washing machine filters are a simple and cost-effective solution. This approach is important and can make meaningful improvements to reduce pollution,” said Dr. Tim Hoellein, Associate Professor, Loyola University, Director Aquatic Ecology Lab.  

Plastic microfibers that come from plastic-based textiles and clothing are of growing concern. Microfibers are the most prevalent form of microplastics in environmental samples and represent over 90% of microplastics ingested by marine animals.  In animals, ingestion of microfibers has been shown to reduce food consumption, reduce energy for growth, alter gene expression, and block digestive tracts. 

In many cases, microfibers that are shed from clothing during household and commercial laundering escape wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and flow with the discharge into our waterways. An existing technology, washing machine microfiber filters, have been shown to be a cost-effective solution that can capture up to 90% of microfibers from each load of laundry, leading to a significant reduction in microfibers in wastewater treatment plants. 

A fact sheet on microfibers can be found here.

Photos from the event can be found here.

### 

About Alliance for the Great Lakes 

The Alliance for the Great Lakes is a nonpartisan nonprofit working across the region to protect our most precious resource: the fresh, clean, and natural waters of the Great Lakes. For more information, visit greatlakes.org.  

About Ocean Conservancy   

Ocean Conservancy is working to protect the ocean from today’s greatest global challenges. Together with our partners, we create evidence-based solutions for a healthy ocean and the wildlife and communities that depend on it. For more information, visit oceanconservancy.org, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. 

Contact:

Don Carr, Media Director, Alliance for the Great Lakes, dcarr@greatlakes.org, +1 (651) 395-4270
Roya Fox, Communications Manager, Ocean Conservancy, rfox@oceanconservancy.org, +1 (206) 948-7874

Great Lakes Plastic Pollution

Plastic pollution is a serious problem for the Great Lakes. Learn more about plastic pollution and how to stop it.

Learn More

The post New Bill to Protect Great Lakes, Drinking Water from Microplastics Receives Support from Environmental Groups appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2024/03/new-bill-to-protect-great-lakes-drinking-water-from-microplastics-receives-support-from-environmental-groups/

Judy Freed

On:
In: Agricultural runoff, Drinking Water, great lakes restoration, invasive species, Plastic pollution in the Great Lakes
2024 Federal Policy Priorities

Significant progress continues to be made in protecting and restoring the Great Lakes, but much more needs to be done. Although increased federal funding from the Infrastructure Investment Act these last two years has allowed states and the federal government to address some key issues, including water infrastructure and the cleanup of toxic legacy pollution, we still have too many Great Lakers experiencing polluted water. Invasive species continue to threaten the lakes, nutrient runoff continues to negatively affect our water quality, and plastic pollutes our beaches and drinking water. 

In our 2024 federal policy priorities, we’ve identified the top five opportunities for Congress and federal agencies to address these challenges. Many of these priorities are familiar and are carried over from last year when Congress made little progress on substantive legislation. For the upcoming year, Congress and the administration must address key issues. These include passing an annual federal budget to provide states with sufficient federal resources to fix our ailing water infrastructure; enacting a Farm Bill that will reduce the flow of nutrient pollution into the lakes; maintaining progress on key federal projects intended to stop invasive species; and providing funding and reauthorization for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative to continue support for on-the-ground restoration projects.

Equity and justice are embedded throughout these policy priorities and must be considered at every step of the federal decision-making process to ensure that all Great Lakers have access to safe, clean, affordable water. Repairing the long-term harm from environmental injustices isn’t a one-off action and federal decision-makers must prioritize disadvantaged communities where the burden of pollution and the lack of essential services often hit the hardest. Congress and the administration must ensure that community voices are at the table – and listened to – from the beginning of all decision-making.

Read on for full details of our 2024 Great Lakes federal policy priorities, or download the fact sheet to learn more.

Water infrastructure.

Increase water infrastructure funding, prioritize funding for communities most in need  

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed by Congress late in 2021 was an important down payment to fix the nation’s failing and outdated water infrastructure. The funding will jump-start efforts to replace dangerous lead pipes, fix leaky pipes, and stop sewage overflows.

However, the funding is only a start. EPA’s 7th national Drinking Water Needs Information Survey and Assessment, completed just last year, estimates that the Great Lakes region will need at least $225.2 billion over the next twenty years to fix our water infrastructure problems. This is an increase from the last national survey and indicates that federal funding is not keeping up with needs. Currently, the infrastructure bill will provide Great Lakes states with an additional $1.8 billion per year for the next five years. It is clearly not enough. We need to keep the pressure on Congress to provide additional funds for water infrastructure programs. Additionally, funding programs must be structured to ensure that money reaches communities with the highest need, such as those with many lead pipes.

In 2024, we urge Congress to: 

  • Increase annual funding to at least $9.3 billion for the Drinking Water and Clean Water State Revolving Funds
  • Increase by $1 billion annual funding levels for lead service line replacement and emerging contaminants
  • Set aside at least 20 percent of the Clean Water State Revolving Fund as grants for green infrastructure projects such as green roofs, permeable pavement, and additional green spaces
  • Pass a federal ban on residential water shutoffs 
  • Establish a federal program to provide financial assistance for water and sewer bills 

In 2024 we urge the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to: 

  • Require that states accepting federal funds from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 are increasing funding and technical assistance for disadvantaged communities so that they are equipped to advance through the SRF selection process 
  • Issue a final Lead and Copper Rule requiring cities to meet ambitious timelines for lead service line replacement

Download the water infrastructure fact sheet.

Agriculture.

Pass a Farm Bill that prioritizes clean water 

Agriculture is the largest unaddressed source of nonpoint pollution in the Great Lakes region. Runoff from agricultural lands puts the Great Lakes at risk. It pollutes drinking water, threatens wildlife, harms the regional economy, and prevents people from enjoying recreation on the Great Lakes. 

Every five years, Congress develops a “Farm Bill,” a major package of legislation that sets the agenda and funding for national farm and food policy. Congress passed a one-year extension of the Farm Bill in 2023, so in 2024 Congress can pass a Farm Bill that ensures farms produce clean water, not pollution, along with their crops.    

In 2024, we urge Congress to pass a Farm Bill that: 

  • Increases funding for U.S. Department of Agriculture conservation programs  
  • Includes provisions to ensure accountability for farm conservation programs aimed at stopping runoff pollution from agricultural lands
  • Reduces funding for concentrated animal feeding operations 

Download the agriculture fact sheet.

Plastic pollution.

Pass legislation to stop plastic pollution  

Researchers estimate that 22 million pounds of plastic pollution enter the Great Lakes each year. Plastic pollution isn’t just an unsightly problem in our waterways. It’s estimated that humans ingest a credit card-sized amount of plastic each week, with unknown long-term consequences for our health. 

For many years, efforts to stop plastic pollution put the responsibility on the end-user, such as recycling. But only a fraction of plastic produced each year is recycled, leaving the remainder to end up in landfills or as litter that lands in our waterways. The alternative is to require plastic producers to be responsible for their products through their lifecycle, which is called extended producer responsibility. Congress has an opportunity to be a leader on this issue.  

In 2024, we urge Congress to pass legislation that: 

  • Makes plastic waste producers responsible for its reduction 
  • Reduces the federal government’s use of single-use plastics, including polystyrene foam 
  • Funds additional research on the public health impact of plastics

Download the plastic pollution fact sheet.

Invasive species.

Protect the Great Lakes from aquatic invasive species  

Invasive species have caused irreparable harm to the Great Lakes ecosystem and cost the region billions of dollars since the late 1980s. Preventing them from ever entering is the best way to protect the Great Lakes. The battle against invasive species is focused on two fronts – stopping invasive carp from entering the Great Lakes and cleaning up ship ballast tanks.  

Established populations of invasive carp are only 50 miles from Chicago and Lake Michigan. But it’s not too late to prevent them from reaching the lakes. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has proposed constructing additional carp prevention measures at the Brandon Road Lock and Dam near Joliet, Illinois. The facility is a critical choke point in the waterways leading to Lake Michigan. Congress and federal agencies must continue to support this project. 

The St. Lawrence Seaway opened the Great Lakes to direct ocean-going shipping. Unfortunately, ships brought invasive species along for the ride in their ballast tanks. Although regulations to clean up ship ballast tanks have reduced introductions, loopholes remain for “lakers,” ships operating solely in the Great Lakes. The U.S. EPA can close that loophole. 

In 2024, we urge Congress to: 

  • Include language in the next Water Resources Development Act to authorize 100 percent federal funding for the annual operations and maintenance of the Brandon Road Interbasin Project, which is being implemented to stop invasive carp from entering the Great Lakes 

In 2024, we urge federal agencies to take the following actions: 

  • The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers should execute a Project Partnership Agreement with the State of Illinois for the Brandon Road Interbasin Project so that the project may proceed to phase 1 construction this fall and continue public participation for the project’s implementation
  • The U.S. EPA should issue final rules requiring all vessels operating on the Great Lakes, including lakers, to clean up their ballast tanks

Download the invasive species fact sheet.

Great Lakes restoration.

Fund, update, and reauthorize the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative 

The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) is one of the most important tools in the region’s toolbox to protect and restore the lakes. The program provides funding for on-the-ground restoration projects, from wetland restoration to cleaning up toxic hotspots. In addition to environmental benefits, GLRI funding garners an additional 3-to-1 return in economic benefits.  

While we need continued investment in Great Lakes restoration, the strategy guiding the GLRI was developed almost 20 years ago and needs an update. Federal agencies should revise the Great Lakes restoration strategy to address the next generation of threats to the lakes, including climate change and long-standing environmental injustices. In addition, the program’s authorization will expire in 2026, so action will be needed by Congress in the near future to reauthorize and extend the GLRI program. 

In 2024, we urge Congress to: 

  • Fund the GLRI with at least $450 million in FY 2024
  • Reauthorize the GLRI program at $500 million per year for five years from FY 2027-2031

In 2024, we urge the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to take the following action: 

  • U.S. EPA should issue the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Action Plan IV to address environmental injustice, climate resilience, and the next generation of risks to the Great Lakes

Download the Great Lakes restoration fact sheet.

Tell Congress: Protect the Great Lakes in 2024

Too many Great Lakers experience polluted water – whether it’s lead-tainted tap water or algal blooms fouling waterways. Invasive species threaten our lakes. Plastic pollutes our beaches and drinking water.

Take Action

The post Top 5 Great Lakes Federal Policy Priorities for 2024 appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2024/02/top-5-great-lakes-federal-policy-priorities-for-2024/

Judy Freed

On:
In: Agricultural runoff, Drinking Water, Environmental Justice, great lakes restoration, invasive species, Plastic pollution in the Great Lakes
Donald Jodrey headshot.
Don Jodrey, Director of Federal Government Relations

This blog is part of a series of updates from Don Jodrey, the Alliance’s Director of Federal Government Relations, with his view on Great Lakes policy from Washington, DC.

At the beginning of 2023, we announced an ambitious Great Lakes federal policy agenda. We noted that it was the start of a new Congress and an era of divided government. We predicted that there were likely to be major policy disagreements between the Republican House, the Democratic Senate, and the Biden administration that might result in a stalemate or lack of progress on some issues, particularly where legislation is required.

We were correct in anticipating major policy disagreements, but we did not envision how dysfunctional the year would be in this Congress where a very small group of conservative House members have managed to delay action on some of Congress’ most basic tasks, including preventing the Congress from passing an annual budget for the federal government.

Major funding disagreements for water infrastructure

As we approach the year mark after we released our federal priorities last year, we note that Congress has enacted another short-term continuing resolution until early March for the fiscal year which started last October. And although the House and Senate leadership have agreed upon a top-line number for domestic spending, it is unclear when final spending levels will be resolved between the House and Senate among the 12 bills that fund the government. There are major disagreements between the House and Senate over the level of funding for water infrastructure with the House proposing more than $1.7 billion in cuts from levels supported by the Senate. This would reduce the funding available to communities to address drinking water and wastewater issues.

Farm Bill discussions continue

Another legislative casualty this year was the Farm Bill. The House and Senate were unable to advance a new five-year Farm Bill. Instead, they agreed to a one-year extension of the current program. We continue to encourage Great Lakes members to support increased funding for conservation programs, as well as provisions to ensure accountability for conservation programs that address harmful agricultural runoff pollution, particularly in Lake Erie. We are pleased that Representatives Marcy Kaptur from Ohio and Mike Gallagher from Wisconsin have introduced the Healthy Farms Healthy Watersheds Act to reduce nutrient runoff and thereby reduce harmful algal blooms. The legislation would help farmers reduce phosphorus pollution by better targeting farm bill conservation dollars where they would have the most impact.

Plastics legislation is introduced

Discussions continue in Congress on efforts to control plastic pollution. Several key pieces of legislation have been introduced in the House and Senate. First, Illinois Senator Dick Durbin reintroduced “The Plastic Pellet Free Waters Act” to address the problems posed by plastic pellets in our waters, including the Great Lakes. The bill would prohibit the discharge of plastic pellets and other pre-production plastics into the Great Lakes and waterways across the country. Plastic pellets, like other microplastics, pose a danger to human health, fish, wildlife, and ecosystems. In addition, Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley has reintroduced the “Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act” which provides a comprehensive approach to plastic pollution reduction by creating a national policy and requirements for extended producer responsibility which would require corporations to take responsibility for post-consumer management of plastic products and packaging. Other legislative efforts include bills that would impose an excise tax on the production of virgin plastic, as well as legislation that would ban the use of polystyrene foam. It is unlikely that any of these efforts will become law in this Congress, but we will continue to support them and educate members on the harmful environmental impacts caused by plastic pollution.

Great Lakes Restoration Initiative continues to receive strong bipartisan support

One program that continues to have robust bipartisan support is the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. The House proposes to fund this program at the current funding level and the Senate proposes a $5 million increase. The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative’s goals are: fish that are safe to eat, water that is safe for recreation, a safe source of drinking water, clean up Areas of Concern, eliminate harmful algal blooms, prevent the introduction of new invasive species and control existing invasive species, and protect and restore habitat to sustain native species.

States step up to fund invasive carp protections

Following up on last year’s Congressional authorization to change the Brandon Road project’s construction cost share to 90 percent federal and 10 percent state, the Brandon Road project received funding boosts this year from the States of Illinois and Michigan. The combined $115 million will cover the entire state share of the estimated construction costs for the project. The next step is for the State of Illinois and the U.S Army Corps of Engineers to sign a project partnership agreement so that construction can begin in 2024. This project is critical to keeping invasive carp out of the Great Lakes.

Environmental Protection Agency takes action

This past year the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) took several actions that affect the Great Lakes. First, the agency issued its 7th national Drinking Water Needs Assessment survey that assesses the health of the nation’s drinking water infrastructure. For the first time, the assessment included information on the number of lead service lines in each state. Unfortunately, Great Lakes states water infrastructure needs have increased since the last national drinking water needs assessment was completed. Collectively, EPA estimates that the Great Lakes region needs at least $225.3 billion over the next twenty years to fix failing water infrastructure.

EPA also proposed a supplemental rule to regulate ballast water in the Great Lakes. This is necessary to prevent the spread of harmful aquatic invasive species. Although EPA proposes to exempt existing Lakers (ships that do not leave the Great Lakes) from installing ballast water treatment systems, EPA does propose requiring that new Lakers, or those constructed after 2026, install ballast water treatment. We provided extensive comments to EPA recommending that all Lakers be required to install ballast water treatment systems. The agency’s final rule is expected later this year.

Lastly, EPA is updating the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Strategy by developing its next action plan, which will cover the next five years of funding for this program. We have recommended that EPA address environmental justice and climate change along with its environmental restoration priorities. A draft plan will be released for public comment later this year.

Looking ahead, your voice matters

Although not all our priorities advanced this past year, your voice makes a difference. Contact federal decision-makers about the Great Lakes issues that you care about. Great Lakes members of Congress need to hear from you about prioritizing funding to ensure every community has safe drinking water. They need to hear what federal legislation or existing programs would help address environmental concerns in your community, like harmful algal blooms or reducing plastic pollution. Let your members of Congress and other federal decision-makers know how important clean and healthy Great Lakes are to you.

Protect the Great Lakes & Our Communities

Too many Great Lakers experience polluted water – whether it is lead-tainted water coming from taps in homes or algal blooms fouling beaches. Visit our Action Center and learn how you can take action.

Take Action

The post DC Update: Are Great Lakes Priorities Advancing After a Year of Divided Government? appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2024/01/dc-update-are-great-lakes-priorities-advancing-after-a-year-of-divided-government/

Judy Freed

On:
In: Climate change in the Great Lakes, Drinking Water, Drinking water affordability, Environmental Justice, Lead service lines, Plastic pollution in the Great Lakes

Note: This blog was written by Vice President of Policy and Strategic Engagement Crystal M.C. Davis.

Attending the COP28 UN Climate Change Conference in Dubai was an incredible experience, one that I was fortunate to be a part of thanks to the Black Environmental Leaders Association (BEL). As a founding member and board member, it was amazing to see how the organization’s support brought our mission to a global stage, showing just how far our collective efforts in environmental advocacy can reach.

Celebrating the Role of Black Environmental Leaders

Our delegation’s presence at COP28 was a testament to the organization’s commitment to environmental advocacy and its impact on a global scale. I was privileged to represent not only the Alliance for the Great Lakes but also the voices and perspectives that BEL leaders bring to the forefront of environmental justice.

Global and Local Interplay: Understanding Our Collective Impact

At COP28, the interconnectedness of local and global environmental efforts became increasingly clear. The insights I gained there have deepened my understanding of how our regional work across states and cities aligns with national and global environmental initiatives. It’s evident now more than ever that our individual efforts have profound global implications. This revelation was a recurring theme throughout the conference, emphasizing the significant impact of water stewardship and innovation on a global scale. COP28 was not just about global dialogues; it was about finding local relevance in these discussions. The insights gained from the conference will be instrumental in shaping our approach to water and climate issues in the Great Lakes region. The shared knowledge and strategies from the global stage will help us develop more effective local solutions.

Water Stewardship: An Economic Imperative

The conference illuminated an essential truth: water stewardship and innovation are not only environmental responsibilities but also make sound economic sense. This alignment of environmental, racial, health, and economic justice was a key focus, with several sessions exploring the financial aspects of climate action. The discussions at COP28 reinforced the notion that environmental conservation is intrinsically linked to broader economic strategies.

The Alliance for the Great Lakes: Bridging Justice and Environmental Action

At the Alliance for the Great Lakes, we’ve recognized the intertwined nature of environmental, racial, health, and economic justice. COP28 served to reaffirm this understanding, highlighting how environmental initiatives, especially those focused on water, are crucial in building a just and sustainable economic future. Our commitment to these principles was echoed in the global discourse at the conference, reinforcing the value and urgency of our work.

Forward with Renewed Vision

Reflecting on the experiences and lessons from COP28, I am filled with a renewed sense of purpose and clarity. As we move forward, the Alliance for the Great Lakes is more equipped than ever to play a pivotal role in fostering environmental justice and economic sustainability, both regionally and globally.

Together, we are making strides toward a future where environmental stewardship and economic progress go hand in hand.

The post Reflections from COP28: A Journey of Global Impact and Local Stewardship appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2023/12/reflections-from-cop28-a-journey-of-global-impact-and-local-stewardship/

Michelle Farley

On:
In: Climate change in the Great Lakes, Plastic pollution in the Great Lakes
Gloria Araya Photography 
From left to right: Asiana Spaw, One Earth Young Filmmakers Contest Winner; Matt Altstiel, Alliance for the Great Lakes Vice President for Development; Genevieve Fletcher, Individual Giving Manager; Molly Flanagan, Chief Operating Officer & Vice President for Programs 

The One Earth Young Filmmakers Contest invites inspiring young filmmakers across the world, from grades three through post-grad, to submit films that address today’s most pressing environmental challenges. The contest winners receive a financial award for their winning films, which premiered in front of a live and virtual audience at the Gene Siskel Film Center in Chicago this September.  

In accompaniment to their own award, the winners choose an environmental nonprofit whose mission aligns with the subject of their film to receive a matching grant. This year, the Alliance was the grateful recipient of a matching grant award chosen by high school senior, Asiana Spaw, the winner of the 2023 One Earth Young Filmmakers Contest College Level Award for her short film, Microplastics: Not a Small Problem. Several Alliance staff attended the Awards Celebration and were able to meet Asiana and her parents and see her film along with nine other outstanding films by students across the country and the world. 

Asiana is a 12th-grader from Northwest Indiana who grew up visiting Lake Michigan. Her film addresses the issue of microplastics in the Great Lakes and its effect on marine life and human populations. The film highlights the need to not only reduce single-use plastic but also the need for legislative action. Her message aligns well with the Alliance for the Great Lakes’ work to reduce plastic pollution both on the ground and through policy and advocacy. 

Another winning student, 8th grader, Andrew Older, from River Forest, Illinois, received an Honorable Mention Award for his three-minute short film titled, Invasive Fish in the Des Plaines River. In his film, Andrew explained how invasive carp and goby fish got into the river and how they are outcompeting native species, threatening the local ecology. He also included information on organizations that work to prevent the spread of invasive species, including the Alliance for the Great Lakes, and encouraged viewers to donate to the cause (Thank you, Andrew!). His film premiered at the One Earth Young Filmmakers Honorable Mention Awards Virtual Screening on November 4th. 

Read on to hear from the students in their own words and watch their 3- and 4-minute short films!  

Asiana Spaw 

“I am a 12th grade filmmaker from Northwest Indiana. Most of my work is narrative, and I love to include social issues and my intersectional experiences. Besides classes and filmmaking, I spend my time competing on the Speech team, coxing for crew, and playing the oboe! 

I made this short documentary over a few days for the One Earth Young Filmmaker’s Contest to call attention to an issue local to me. Before my research, I had little familiarity with how plastic pollution can affect lakes differently from the ocean, which tends to gain more media attention. As I live near Lake Michigan, I both want to see less trash along the shores and know that my drinking water is free from unknown contaminants. I chose the Alliance for the Great Lakes because they lead excellent efforts, like the Adopt-a-Beach cleanups, to preserve our Great Lakes. I look forward to seeing their continued work to mitigate the threats to these bodies of water.” 

Andrew Older 

Andrew Older is an 8th-grade student at Roosevelt Middle School. He lives in River Forest with his parents, sister, and dog Theo. He loves spending time outside and Thatcher Woods is a favorite spot. 

“I created this video to raise awareness about invasive species in the Des Plaines River, a local river near my house where I regularly fish. One time, while fishing, I noticed that most of the fish I was catching were Gobi fish. After learning from my teacher, Mr. Schlacter, that they were an invasive fish species, I submitted a video on the topic to the One Earth Film Festival, a global environmental film competition. I learned that even one action, even if it is small, can make a difference because it can inspire others to take action. If we all do something, it can have an impact on the environment.” 

The Alliance is inspired by the work of Asiana and Andrew to spread awareness about these important Great Lakes issues. We commend them and the One Earth Film Festival for encouraging environmental activism as well as environmental philanthropy through film.  

To watch the full screening of the 2023 One Earth Young Filmmakers First-Place Contest Awards and Honorable Mention Awards short films, click the below links: 

The post One Earth: Young Filmmakers Shine A Light on Great Lakes Issues  appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2023/11/one-earth-young-filmmakers-shine-a-light-on-great-lakes-issues/

Michelle Farley

On:
In: Agricultural runoff, Drinking Water, Environmental Justice, great lakes restoration, invasive species, Plastic pollution in the Great Lakes

Note: This blog was co-written by President & CEO Joel Brammeier and Vice President of Policy and Strategic Engagement Crystal M.C. Davis.

For four days in Cleveland on the shores of Lake Erie last week, many of the Great Lakes region’s leading advocates and decision-makers gathered for discussions on the future of our waters. We were privileged to be part of those gatherings at the Healing Our Waters (HOW) – Great Lakes Coalition’s annual conference, followed by the biennial Summit of Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers. 

Building a Path to Protect the Great Lakes 

Forums like these occasionally yield big breakthroughs. The 2015 Summit was where Ohio, Michigan and Ontario agreed to reduce nutrient pollution to Lake Erie by 40%. More often, they are a place for people like us to build consensus with our colleagues on the next major phases of our long-term work to protect the Great Lakes.  

With the HOW Conference and the Governors and Premiers Summit held back-to-back in one place, there were great opportunities to confab among the hundreds of elected officials, senior agency staff, philanthropists, and private sector and nonprofit leaders from across the region.

Crystal and other community leaders engaged in a powerful roundtable discussion hosted by the Cleveland NAACP, joined by Governor Whitmer.

Crystal was honored to join in a small roundtable discussion with Governor Whitmer led by the Cleveland NAACP, bringing her voice to elevate the Alliance’s water policy priorities. Additionally, we had the opportunity to speak directly with Ohio Governor Mike DeWine about his state’s H2Ohio water funding program, the Ohio Lake Erie Commission, and other pressing water policy matters. 

Three Key Takeaways

Three things stood out to us among the countless speeches, panels, and meetings.  

First, attendees learned that to be successful at protecting the Great Lakes, we must pay attention to how they intersect with so many other needs in our communities.  

Field trip to Rid-All-Farm

The HOW coalition asked Crystal to organize the opening plenary for the conference. The audience applauded a diverse panel from the financial, health, environmental and economic development sectors that outlined the complex relationship between water policy and needs for economic, racial, and educational justice in Cleveland and communities across our region. The Alliance also organized the ‘Green N Tha Ghetto’ field trip to the renowned Rid-All Farm in Cleveland. This trip highlighted a black-owned urban farm’s groundbreaking aquaponics and thriving crops, and a farm that stands as a testament to the rich intersection of Great Lakes water, cultivation of community, and economic development. 

Second, the composition of some of the rooms is changing to better reflect all the voices of the region. Truly inclusive representation of Great Lakes communities is critical for these high-level gatherings to be worth their weight. We saw and heard many younger faces and voices that were new to us – always a positive sign. And the Great Lakes movement is catching up to the fact that leaders from Black, Indigenous, Latino and more communities of color have been pivotal in advocating for our water for many years. When organizations like HOW and the Alliance truly value and practice authentic engagement, this fosters long-lasting and sustainable relationships, paving the way for more Great Lakes success. 

Joel at Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers Summit

Finally, we saw attention not just to what needs to happen but how the work gets done. The governors and premiers summit was the launch pad for a new commitment to planting 250 million trees across the Great Lakes region over the next decade. A laudable goal for sure, and one that can play a part in meeting our climate and clean water challenges. What we found most illuminating about the launch were the reflections from leaders from the Cleveland Trees Coalition and National Indian Carbon Coalition. Trees can help heal urban heat islands in Cleveland or support wild rice habitat on tribal lands in Minnesota. Tree planting is good, but it can become great when it starts with and is sustained by community leadership to address community-identified needs. 

The Power of Great Lakes Gathering

Joel chatting with other Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers Summit attendees.

The power of these gatherings hit home for Joel on Saturday at the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers luncheon. A video testimonial from the two surviving founders of the organization, former Michigan Governor Jim Blanchard and former Ohio Governor Dick Celeste, described the economic conditions of the Great Lakes region in the early 1980s – severe recession, high unemployment, and deep uncertainty facing residents and leaders across the lakes. The governors chose this moment to convene for the first time to build on one asset that was recession-proof: our shared freshwater foundations. Their choice to come together in a time of uncertainty so many decades ago reminds us that protecting the Great Lakes takes time and that choices we make today can have incredible staying power.  

We are proud to be part of bringing a greater diversity of voices to these critical Great Lakes conversations than ever before, ensuring the next generation of Great Lakes protection meets the needs of everyone who relies on the lakes every day.  

Protect the Great Lakes & Our Communities

Too many Great Lakers experience polluted water – whether it is lead-tainted water coming from taps in homes or algal blooms fouling beaches. Visit our Action Center and learn how you can take action.

Take Action

The post Charting the Future of the Great Lakes: Insights from the HOW Conference and Governors’ Summit  appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2023/11/charting-the-future-of-the-great-lakes-insights-from-the-how-conference-and-governors-summit/

Michelle Farley

On:
In: Plastic pollution in the Great Lakes

Plastic pollution is a serious problem for the Great Lakes and the people and wildlife who live here.

Researchers from the Rochester Institute of Technology estimate that over 22 million pounds of plastic enter the Great Lakes annually. And University of Toronto researchers calculate that the amount of microplastics in the surface water of the Great Lakes is higher than plastic concentrations in the widely publicized Great Pacific Garbage Patch.

Stopping the flow of all that plastic can feel overwhelming. But you can make a difference by helping your community reduce its plastic use. Now is the time to move away from single-use plastic and encourage reuse, refill, and reduction.

Start by asking questions

Your town, your park district, and your school board all have policies that affect plastic pollution. Start by learning what’s happening in your community. 

Find out:

  • Are there water refill stations at your public parks and schools?
  • Does your school board have a purchasing policy that bans single-use plastic including polystyrene foam cups and food containers?
  • Has your local community center moved to reusable items to save money and waste on single-use plastic?
  • Does your city or state allow you to bring your own reusable containers to groceries and restaurants? 

Make your change happen

Once you’ve learned what’s going on in your community, pick one thing you want to change – and find out who can make that change happen. For instance, if you want to see water refill stations at all your public parks and beaches, your park district board members might be the people who can make the decision and allocate money to pay for it.

After you know what you want to change and who can make it happen, it’s time to build support and contact the decision makers. Here are some tools to help:

Build support:

Communicate with decision makers:

Stopping plastic pollution is a huge task. But when you change a policy locally, you’re doing more than helping your community reduce one type of plastic. You’re creating momentum for the next change and the next – in your community, in your state, and nationally – bringing all of us closer to systemic reductions in single-use plastic production and pollution.

Let us know how it’s going! Contact us at alliance@greatlakes.org.

Visit Our Action Center

Your voice, when combined with thousands of people around the lakes, can make a difference! Tell decision makers it’s time to stop single-use plastic production and pollution.

Take Action

The post Take Action Locally to Reduce Plastic Pollution appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2023/06/take-action-locally-to-reduce-plastic-pollution/

Judy Freed

On:
In: Plastic pollution in the Great Lakes

Chicago, IL (June 5, 2023) – With eyes on Paris for the recently completed crucial second round of global plastics treaty negotiations, groups in Illinois and across the Great Lakes are excited to celebrate the work that has been done closer to home to reduce the production of single-use plastic. This year, the Alliance for the Great Lakes, Ocean Conservancy and Illinois Environmental Council secured significant wins at the statehouse in Springfield that will advance the effort to reduce plastics while increasing access to water and promoting reuse.

The Illinois General Assembly wrapped up the 2023 session in late May by passing several bills addressing plastic production and reduction; improving reuse systems; and providing better data to assist future policymaking:

  • SB 58 bans the state from purchasing polystyrene foam foodware. Styrene, a building block of polystyrene, is likely a human carcinogen, creating health risks in production, use and disposal. Additionally, polystyrene is not recyclable, increasing the challenges of an overburdened waste system by plastic pollution. The bill also requires all state agencies to develop plans to reduce purchasing of single-use plastic.
  • SB 1715 will increase the number of bottle-filling water fountains across the state, providing no-cost water for many more people and decreasing reliance on single-use water bottles that contribute to plastic pollution. 
  • HB 2086 will allow customers to refill their own containers with ready-made food at restaurants and retailers. Increasing reusable systems is the most effective and efficient way to reduce plastics and associated greenhouse gas emissions and transition to a safe, circular economy.
  • SB 1563, requires the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to report on the potential impacts of microplastics in drinking water in Illinois.
  • SB 1555 requires the Illinois EPA to create a statewide needs assessment for packaging and paper products. This is a critical step towards establishing comprehensive extended producer responsibility in Illinois focused on holding producers accountable and achieving source reduction.

Advocates were also able to prevent HB 1616 from advancing. This bill would have allowed for a dangerous and toxic pyrolysis plant to side-step the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s standard permitting process to be built in an already overburdened minority community near Joliet, IL. 

Dr. Anja Brandon, associate director of U.S. plastics policy at Ocean Conservancy and an environmental engineer, notes, “Now is the time to pursue a single-use plastics source reduction target in the Great Lakes that’s in line with the global goal of a minimum 50% reduction by 2050. These recently passed bills will reduce literal tons of plastic pollution while also decreasing greenhouse gas emissions. We applaud the Illinois legislature for these steps forward and hope to see more headway next session to meet the urgency of this moment.”

“We are proud to link arms with our partners from across the Great Lakes and the country in order to build smart and sustainable solutions that will reduce plastic production, support regenerative solutions, advance environmental justice by reducing toxic pollution and improve our community’s health. This session in Illinois represents just the start of the work needed to be done to reduce plastic pollution in the Great Lakes. We are all ready to keep the work moving forward together,” said Andrea Densham, senior strategic adviser for the Alliance for the Great Lakes.

“This year’s plastic reduction victories represent some of the most significant environmental legislative progress we made during this session, and it’s a sign that our years of education and mobilization have built momentum for change,” said Jen Walling, executive director of the Illinois Environmental Council. “Make no mistake; we have plenty of work to do to realize the scale of policy progress we truly need, but it’s important to stop and celebrate significant wins, like halting HB1616, for example– an objectively good thing for the already disproportionately polluted communities in the Joliet area who would have borne the brunt of new toxic pollution emitted by the proposed chemical recycling plant.”

Global and regional efforts to reduce plastic are critical as the connections between climate and plastic production become clearer. Already, plastics are responsible for 3-4% of global greenhouse gas emissions; if they continue to grow, this will triple by 2050. In addition, the health impacts of these emissions from extraction to disposal of plastics are disproportionately borne by historically marginalized communities, making this an environmental justice issue. 

###

Contact:

Jack Walker, teamgreatlakes@mrss.com, 847-721-0597  

Madeline Black, mblack@oceanconservancy.org, 202-280-6232

Tucker Barry, tucker@ilenviro.org, 337-280-1269

ABOUT THE ALLIANCE FOR THE GREAT LAKES: The Alliance for the Great Lakes is a nonpartisan nonprofit working across the region to protect our most precious resource: the fresh, clean, and natural waters of the Great Lakes. For more information, visit www.greatlakes.org.

ABOUT OCEAN CONSERVANCY: Ocean Conservancy is working to protect the ocean from today’s greatest global challenges. Together with our partners, we create evidence-based solutions for a healthy ocean and the wildlife and communities that depend on it. For more information, visit www.oceanconservancy.org, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. 

ABOUT THE ILLINOIS ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL: Since 1975, the Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) has worked to safeguard Illinois—its people, its plants and animals, and the natural systems on which all life depends by building power for people and the environment. Representing over 100 environmental organizations in the state, IEC carries out its mission to advance public policies that create healthy environments across Illinois through education, advocacy and movement building.

The post Environmental Advocates Applaud Illinois General Assembly’s Efforts to Reduce Plastic Pollution appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2023/06/environmental-advocates-applaud-illinois-general-assemblys-efforts-to-reduce-plastic-pollution/

Judy Freed

On:
In: Plastic pollution in the Great Lakes

For our Diving Deep for Solutions series, we commissioned author and journalist Kari Lydersen to examine big issues facing the lakes today and how our expert team at the Alliance for the Great Lakes is growing to meet the moment.

In late April, teachers and students from Tremont Montessori descended on Edgewater Beach on Chicago’s lakefront armed with colorful plastic rakes, sieves and shovels to pick up trash. It was one of many Alliance for the Great Lakes beach cleanups happening across the lakes that weekend.

Students beamed as they loaded plastic stir sticks, shredded balloons and other debris into orange buckets. One student paused to carve his name, Albert, into the sand.

Volunteers sign in for an Adopt-a-Beach cleanup.

At nearby Foster Beach in Chicago, Eileen Ryan was leading a beach cleanup with the group she helps lead, Organizing for Plastic Alternatives. The multi-generational crowd hauled in pounds of plastics – water bottles, cups and plates – mostly single-use products, confirming Ryan’s longstanding position that plastic consumption and pollution is “out of control.”

Ryan’s feelings mirror the Alliance’s position: we must switch quickly away from reliance on plastics, so that youth like the Tremont students aren’t burdened with increasing loads of toxic plastic pollution for decades to come.

Ryan – an artist – takes meditative walks along the Lake Michigan beaches, chronicling the experience in serene photos posted to social media. Now, she spends those walks picking up plastic and photographing this waste to make a point. At an advocacy-oriented “Trashion Revolution” runway show in May, she is exhibiting a dress made entirely from plastic lids collected on her walks.

“People need to see what a travesty plastic is,” Ryan said. “Our unending consumption and waste from single-use plastic will be in our bodies, our water and our food for generations!”

Plastic pollution’s harmful impacts

In all, more than half a million pounds of litter, most of it plastic, has been collected through Alliance cleanups over the past 20 years.  

Plastic pollution on a beach.

Not only are components of plastic toxic in their own right, the fragments also absorb and harbor potentially dangerous microbes and chemicals. In all, about 22 million pounds of plastic get into the Great Lakes each year, and the lakes provide drinking water for more than 40 million people.

The Alliance has long worked to remove plastic waste from the Great Lakes through beach cleanups, as well as pushing for laws and policies like the 2015 federal ban on plastic microbeads formerly used in facial scrubs and other toiletries.

Now, along with continuing this work, the Alliance is prioritizing fighting plastic pollution at the root – slashing the amount of plastic that is produced and used – the same model Ryan advocates.

Plastic poses a serious threat to the environment and public health when it enters the Great Lakes and other waterways, but an even greater environmental injustice is the impact of the petrochemical facilities that produce plastic on surrounding communities.

“The burden of drinking water with some microplastic is real, but the burden you’re living with [near a petrochemical plant] is orders of magnitude different,” said Andrea Densham, a sustainability expert working with the Alliance on plastics.

From Louisiana and Texas to Illinois and Michigan, petrochemical and plastics plants are predominantly located in low-income communities and communities of color. As the country slowly shifts away from fossil fuels for energy and transportation, plastic production is often described as a “lifeline” for the oil and gas industry. Plastics, along with fertilizers and various other industrial and household products, are made from petroleum-based feedstock. Plastics also typically contain toxic “forever chemicals” like PFAs, synthetic compounds found in many household goods and linked to harms including increased risk of cancer, developmental problems, and interference with hormonal processes. Scientists are especially concerned about PFAs since they are very slow to break down in the environment, and their full impacts on human health are not yet understood.

Factories manufacturing plastics emit highly toxic, cancer-causing emissions and pose serious safety risks. And nearby residents, who typically already bear disproportionate pollution burdens from other sources, often have trouble obtaining transparency and protection from the major industry players and government regulators.

Changing to sustainable alternatives

Blue bag with white text listing the names of the Great Lakes

A huge portion of the plastic products and packaging we use everyday could be replaced by other materials or simply eliminated, experts note. Bans on single-use plastics like plastic grocery bags, foam container, and straws are one solution that multiple municipalities have implemented in various forms.

Illinois legislators are considering bills that would phase out single-use polystyrene foam containers beginning in January 2024. The state House has passed the bill, and Illinois already enacted a law banning single-use plastic food products in state parks and at the state fair. Canada has banned the manufacturing and import of multiple single-use plastic products including straws, cutlery, and ring carriers; and the government has set an ambitious goal of recycling 90% of beverage containers.

Plant-based materials can be used for many of the products currently made from plastic. And extensive reuse and recycling can reduce demand for new plastic. The emphasis should be on “organic items we can compost or reuse, and glass or things that we can truly recycle, for a more circular economy,” said Densham.

It can be a win-win situation, as Great Lakes-region farmers and manufacturers can benefit by more demand for plant-based materials and reusable containers made out of glass or stainless steel.

“Just like we’ve made a commitment to move toward clean energy, we need to move toward cleaner manufacturing that uses more natural organic items like hemp and switchgrass,” said Densham. “If we incentivize manufacturers to use less and less and less PFAs and other toxic chemicals, we don’t have to clean it up on the other end,” after it has polluted the Great Lakes.

Making manufacturers responsible for waste

The Alliance is working with the Ocean Conservancy to push policies based around Extended Producer Responsibility, the idea that manufacturers of products that become waste are responsible for it – rather than shifting the burden to municipal or county waste management agencies. The concept of Extended Producer Responsibility has been incorporated into policy in states including California, Colorado, Maine, and Oregon, and it is gaining traction nationwide.

A hand holding tiny plastic nurdles

Demanding accountability from producers includes regulation of the dumping and release of “nurdles,” the pellets that are used to make plastic. Loyola University biologist Timothy Hoellein recently encountered a trove of such nurdles around the North Branch of the Chicago River, down the watershed from several plastics manufacturers. Now he’s seeking funding to study the distribution and source of nurdles in the region.

“They’re like discs with little dimples, very uniform. When you see a bunch of them together,  same shape and color, it’s a little shocking,” said Hoellein, who has partnered with the Alliance to analyze data from trash collected during the beach cleanups. “Plastic is not regulated as a pollutant in the same way other industrial discharges or wastes are, but it is a point source of pollution, and it seems like it should be controllable.”

Focusing on the manufacturing of plastics rather than littering doesn’t mean individual citizens are off the hook. Hoellein, Densham, and others emphasize that regular people have the power and responsibility to demand and make change around plastic pollution – starting at the root.

“We might not be the person throwing the plastic bag on the sidewalk, but we’re all part of this consumer system that has a demand for plastic bags,” said Hoellein. “We’re all collectively accountable for the production because we’re all purchasing the materials. There can be grassroots advocacy and collective demand for alternative products, a combination of policies that are put in place and creating a genuine market.”

Take Action to Stop Plastic Pollution

Your voice, when combined with thousands of advocates around the lakes, can make a difference! Our action center makes it easy for you to contact decision makers.

Take Action

The post Putting an end to plastic pollution appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2023/05/putting-an-end-to-plastic-pollution/

Judy Freed

On:
In: Adopt-a-Beach, Plastic pollution in the Great Lakes

Adopt-a-Beach volunteers are on the front lines of keeping litter off our beaches and out of the Great Lakes. But did you know that these volunteers are also citizen scientists?

This year marks twenty years of data collection by Adopt-a- Beach volunteers. The Alliance for the Great Lakes created its online Great Lakes litter database in 2003 and added data collection to the Adopt-a-Beach program.

Filling a Data Gap, Identifying Troubling Trends

A hand recording litter counts on a form.

While scientists have been studying plastic pollution in the ocean for decades, there is much less research about plastic pollution in the Great Lakes. Adopt-a-Beach data collection is one way our Great Lakes community is beginning to fill that gap. The litter data collected by Adopt-a-Beach volunteers spans beaches and shorelines across all five Great Lakes. No lab or individual researcher could collect this extensive data set on their own. Volunteers have steadily created this dataset with each cleanup over the past twenty years.

Volunteers use a datasheet at every beach cleanup to tally each item they pick up. The event’s team leader tallies up all the data collected at the event and enters it into our online system. Counting each cigarette butt, bottle cap, or piece of tiny trash can sometimes feel a bit silly on the beach. But the power of all that information in one place is impressive, and it is showing us some troubling trends.

So, what do the data tell us? It’s not a pretty picture. Roughly 85% of the litter picked up at cleanups is made entirely or partially of plastic. Most of the litter picked up by volunteers falls into the category of “tiny trash,” which are pieces 5 millimeters or less. These are pieces of larger items that have broken down over time. Food-related trash, such as plastic bottles, plastic cutlery, and takeout containers, is about 25% of the litter picked up by volunteers.

A Clear and Present Danger

A researcher examines a test tube containing microplastics.

While beach litter is a serious concern, it is just the most visible part of a bigger problem. Sun, waves, and other environmental factors break down plastic left on the beach or other places into smaller and smaller pieces. And microfibers from our clothes or plastic packaging from detergent packs wash down the drain into our waterways. These microplastics are often invisible but are dangerous to wildlife, which mistake them for food.

Plastic has been found in Great Lakes fish dating back to the 1950s. That means, for nearly seven decades, there have been microplastics in the lakes, which are a drinking water source for about 40 million people. Today, researchers from the Rochester Institute of Technology estimate that over 22 million pounds of plastic enter the Great Lakes annually. And University of Toronto researchers calculated that the amount of microplastics in the surface water of the Great Lakes is estimated at 1.2 million particles/km2. This is higher than plastic concentrations in the widely publicized Great Pacific Garbage Patch.

Microplastics have been found in drinking water, bottled water, and beer. And it’s estimated that we each ingest about a credit card-sized amount of plastic each week. Much remains to be learned about the impacts of plastic on human health, but the early picture is concerning.

Plastic Producers Must Take Responsibility

Microplastics in test tubes.

Adopt-a-Beach volunteers do a great job keeping plastic out of our lakes and educating their communities about the plastic pollution problem. But beach cleanups alone can’t solve the magnitude of the Great Lakes’ plastic problem. A more systemic solution is required.

Currently, most efforts to stop plastic pollution put the responsibility on the last person who uses the plastic, such as recycling. But expecting end users to bear the burden of managing plastic pollution isn’t effective. For instance, only a fraction of plastic produced each year can be recycled, leaving the remainder to end up in landfills or as litter that lands in our waterways. This leaves the disposal burden – and significant costs – on individuals, small business owners, and local governments.

The alternative is to require plastic producers to be responsible for their products through their lifecycle, called extended producer responsibility. The concept is not new. Many European countries have such laws. And California recently passed legislation bringing the concept to the United States. These laws reduce or eliminate the most problematic plastics like styrofoam, require plastic manufacturers to pay for disposal, or eventually change their practices to produce less plastic in the first place.

For the first time, we have included plastic pollution as a top issue in our federal Great Lakes policy agenda. We are urging Congress to be a leader in curbing plastic pollution and pass legislation that:

  • Makes plastic producers responsible for reduction of waste
  • Reduces the federal government’s use of single-use plastics
  • Funds additional research on the public health impact of plastics

How You Can Help

Adopt-a-Beach volunteers record litter data on the beach.

Solving our Great Lakes plastic pollution problem will take all of us. Here are several ways you can help:

Refuse single-use plastics.

The best way to prevent plastic pollution from getting into the lakes is to stop using it in the first place.

Your voice makes a difference.

Visit our action center to send a letter to your members of Congress, urging them to adopt extended producer responsibility legislation.

Join a beach cleanup.

Adopt-a-Beach volunteers are on the frontlines of keeping plastic pollution out of the Great Lakes. It’s fun, easy, and an excellent way for your family, community group, or business to give back to the lakes. Learn how you can join a cleanup or host one of your own.

The post 20 Years of Adopt-a-Beach Data Collection: What Have We Learned? appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2023/04/20-years-of-adopt-a-beach-data-collection-what-have-we-learned/

Judy Freed

On:
In: Plastic pollution in the Great Lakes

This week marks national volunteer appreciation week, and on this Lakes Chat episode, we’re chatting about volunteering to help the Great Lakes.

Guests included:

Olivia Reda – the Alliance for the Great Lakes Volunteer Engagement Manager.

Eileen Ryan is a long-time Alliance Ambassador and an Adopt-a-Beach volunteer.

Novem Cheng, a volunteer with the Alliance Ambassador and Adopt-a-Beach programs.

Resources:

Become an Adopt-a-Beach™ Team Leader – Alliance for the Great Lakes

Adopt-a-Beach™ – Alliance for the Great Lakes

Subscribe to the Lakes Chat Podcast

Every Tuesday, the Alliance for the Great Lakes will chat with special guests about Great Lakes issues and dig into what it all means for you and your community. Subscribe to our Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and Deezer (more platforms coming soon).

Hear More Episodes

The post Celebration of National Volunteer Week: Adopt-a-Beach Volunteers Season 2, Episode 15 appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2023/04/celebration-of-national-volunteer-week-adopt-a-beach-volunteers-season-2-episode-15/

Michelle Farley

On:
In: Plastic pollution in the Great Lakes

Lake Michigan is one of Illinois’ greatest assets. But plastic pollution puts Lake Michigan and all our waterways at risk, polluting our drinking water and harming wildlife.

Polystyrene foam – a plastic used to make single-used foam cups and food containers – is among the most polluting plastic products. Polystyrene foam doesn’t biodegrade in nature and is nearly impossible to recycle. Byproducts of polystyrene production can pollute the water, harming neighborhoods near factories.

Some of the most common items Adopt-a-Beach volunteers remove from Lake Michigan’s Illinois shorelines are foam take-out containers and pieces of polystyrene foam. While our volunteers are on the frontlines of keeping plastic out of Lake Michigan, we know that they are only able to pick up a fraction of the plastic pollution on our beaches. And once single-use polystyrene pieces end up in our waterways, it’s nearly impossible to clean them up.

The Illinois House of Representatives passed a bill earlier this week that would phase out single-use plastic polystyrene foam foodware. The bill is now being considered by the Illinois Senate.

We hope Illinois will join the eight states and roughly 200 cities and municipalities that have enacted bans on polystyrene foam containers.

The post Single-Use Plastic Foam Foodware Ban Advances to Illinois Senate appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2023/03/single-use-plastic-foam-foodware-ban-advances-to-illinois-senate/

Judy Freed

On:
In: Agricultural runoff, Drinking Water, great lakes restoration, invasive species, Plastic pollution in the Great Lakes
2023 federal policy priorities.

Significant progress has been made in protecting and restoring the Great Lakes. But much more needs to be done. Too many Great Lakers experience polluted water, whether it is lead-tainted water coming from taps in homes or algal blooms fouling beaches. Invasive species threaten the lakes, and plastic pollutes our beaches and drinking water.  

In our 2023 federal policy priorities, we’ve identified the top five opportunities for Congress and federal agencies to address these challenges. Many of these priorities are familiar. Congress and the administration must keep up the momentum generated over the past few years to fix our water infrastructure, stop invasive species, and support on-the-ground restoration projects.  

Equity and justice are embedded throughout these policy priorities. Equity and justice must be considered at every step of the federal decision-making process to ensure that all Great Lakers have access to safe, clean, affordable water. Federal water programs must prioritize low-income communities and communities of color, where the burden of pollution often hits hardest. Repairing the long-term harm from environmental injustices isn’t a one-off action. Instead, Congress and the administration must ensure that community voices are at the table, and listened to, from the beginning of all decision-making.  

This year, we have two new priority areas focused on opportunities we’ve identified for the federal government to push forward new approaches to long-standing problems. First is the Farm Bill, which only happens every five years and sets national agriculture and food policy. We see an opportunity to improve federal agriculture subsidy programs to make sure farmers produce clean water, not pollution, along with their crops. Second, concern about plastic pollution continues to grow, and Congress can act to limit plastic pollution by reducing it at the source and not once it is a problem on our beaches and in our communities.  

Read on for full details of our 2023 Great Lakes federal policy priorities, or download the fact sheet to learn more.

Water infrastructure.

Increase water infrastructure funding, prioritize funding for communities most in need 

The infrastructure bill passed by Congress late in 2021 was an important down payment to fix the nation’s failing and outdated water infrastructure. The funding will jump-start efforts to replace dangerous lead pipes, fix leaky pipes, and stop sewage overflows.  

However, the funding is only a start. It’s estimated that the Great Lakes region will need at least $188 billion over the next twenty years to fix our water infrastructure problems. Currently, the infrastructure bill will provide Great Lakes states with an additional $1.8 billion per year for the next five years. It is clearly not enough. We need to keep the pressure on Congress to provide additional funds for water infrastructure programs. Additionally, funding programs must be structured to ensure that money reaches communities with the highest need, such as those with many lead pipes. 

In 2023, we urge Congress to: 

  • Increase annual funding to at least $8 billion for the Drinking Water and Clean Water State Revolving Funds  
  • Increase by $1 billion annual funding levels for lead service line replacement and emerging contaminants  
  • Pass a federal ban on water shutoffs 
  • Establish a federal program to provide financial assistance for water and sewer bills 

In 2023 we urge the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to: 

  • Work with states to ensure equitable distribution of infrastructure funding and provide technical assistance to disadvantaged and underserved communities  
  • Complete the Drinking Water Needs Assessment in early 2023 to increase the amount of lead service line funding to Great Lakes states which have the highest number of lead pipes in the country

Download the water infrastructure fact sheet.

Agriculture.

Pass a Farm Bill that prioritizes clean water 

Agriculture is the largest unaddressed source of nonpoint pollution in the Great Lakes region. Runoff from agricultural lands puts the Great Lakes at risk. It pollutes drinking water, threatens wildlife, harms the regional economy, and prevents people from enjoying recreation on the Great Lakes. 

Every five years, Congress develops a “farm bill,” a major package of legislation that sets the agenda and funding for national farm and food policy. In 2023, Congress can pass a Farm Bill that ensures farms produce clean water, not pollution, along with their crops.  

In 2023, we urge Congress to pass a Farm Bill that: 

  • Increases funding for US Department of Agriculture conservation programs  
  • Includes provisions to ensure accountability for farm conservation programs aimed at stopping runoff pollution from agricultural lands
  • Reduces funding for concentrated animal feeding operations 
Plastic pollution.

Pass legislation to stop plastic pollution  

Researchers estimate that 22 million pounds of plastic pollution enter the Great Lakes each year. Plastic pollution isn’t just an unsightly problem in our waterways. It’s estimated that humans ingest a credit card-sized amount of plastic each week, with unknown long-term consequences for our health. 

For many years, efforts to stop plastic pollution put the responsibility on the end-user, such as recycling. But only a fraction of plastic produced each year is recycled, leaving the remainder to end up in landfills or as litter that lands in our waterways. The alternative is to require plastic producers to be responsible for their products through their lifecycle, which is called extended producer responsibility. Congress has an opportunity to be a leader on this issue.  

In 2023, we urge Congress to pass legislation that: 

  • Makes plastic waste producers responsible for its reduction 
  • Reduces the federal government’s use of single-use plastics 
  • Funds additional research on the public health impact of plastics

Download the plastic pollution fact sheet.

Invasive species.

Protect the Great Lakes from aquatic invasive species  

Invasive species have caused irreparable harm to the Great Lakes ecosystem and cost the region billions of dollars since the late 1980s. Preventing them from ever entering is the best way to protect the Great Lakes. The battle against invasive species is focused on two fronts – stopping invasive carp from entering the Great Lakes and cleaning up ship ballast tanks.  

Established populations of invasive carp are only 50 miles from Chicago and Lake Michigan. But it’s not too late to prevent them from reaching the lakes. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has proposed constructing additional carp prevention measures at the Brandon Road Lock and Dam near Joliet, Illinois. The facility is a critical choke point in the waterways leading to Lake Michigan. Congress and federal agencies must continue to support this project.  

The St. Lawrence Seaway opened the Great Lakes to direct ocean-going shipping. Unfortunately, ships brought invasive species along for the ride in their ballast tanks. Although regulations to clean up ship ballast tanks have reduced introductions, loopholes remain for “lakers,” ships operating solely in the Great Lakes. The US EPA can close that loophole. 

In 2023, we urge Congress to: 

  • Fund the next phases of construction of the Brandon Road project to stop invasive carp 

In 2023, we urge federal agencies to take the following actions: 

  • The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers should continue implementing the Brandon Road project with public participation and work with the state of Illinois to finalize the project partnership agreement. 
  • The U.S. EPA should issue rules requiring all vessels operating on the Great Lakes, including lakers, to clean up their ballast tanks.

Download the invasive species fact sheet.

Great Lakes restoration.

Update and fund Great Lakes restoration programs 

The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) is one of the most important tools in the region’s toolbox to protect and restore the lakes. The program provides funding for on-the-ground restoration projects, from wetland restoration to cleaning up toxic hotspots. In addition to environmental benefits, GLRI funding garners an additional 3-to-1 return in economic benefits.  

While we need continued investment in Great Lakes restoration, the strategy guiding the GLRI was developed almost 20 years ago and needs an update. Federal agencies should revise the Great Lakes restoration strategy to address the next generation of threats to the lakes, including climate change and long-standing environmental injustices.  

In 2023, we urge Congress to: 

  • Fund the GLRI with at least $425 million in FY24 

In 2023, we urge federal agencies to take the following actions: 

  • The White House and U.S. EPA should update the Great Lakes action plan to address environmental injustice, climate resilience, and the next generation of risks to the Great Lakes.
  • The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers should include large-scale natural infrastructure in the Great Lakes Coastal Resiliency Study to address extreme water level changes caused by climate change. 

Download the Great Lakes restoration fact sheet.

Tell Congress: Protect the Great Lakes & Clean Water

Too many Great Lakers experience polluted water – whether it is lead-tainted water coming from taps in homes or algal blooms fouling beaches. Invasive species threaten the lakes, and plastic pollutes our beaches and drinking water.

Take Action

The post Top 5 Great Lakes Federal Policy Priorities for 2023 appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2023/01/top-5-great-lakes-federal-policy-priorities-for-2023/

Judy Freed

On:
In: microplastics, Plastic pollution in the Great Lakes
Sofia Johansson headshot.

This post is by Sofia Johansson, who worked as the Alliance for the Great Lakes’ Public Policy and Governance Intern this summer. She is a third-year Environmental and Urban Studies major at the University of Chicago and is originally from Madison, Wisconsin. She is passionate about environmental justice, equity, and sustainability in planning and policy.

For more than 30 years, thousands of Adopt-A-Beach volunteers have helped clean up litter, most of it plastic, from beaches across the Great Lakes region. This year, the program reached a major milestone—half a million pounds of litter picked up since volunteers started collecting beach data nearly 20 years ago. But beach cleanups alone can’t solve the magnitude of the Great Lakes’ plastic problem. A more systemic solution is required.

Plastic has been found in Great Lakes fish dating back to the 1950s. That means, for nearly seven decades, there have been microplastics in our water—water we drink, swim in, fish from, and cherish. Most of that time, we didn’t know it was there. But now, the research is overwhelming. The amount of microplastics in the surface water of the Great Lakes is estimated at 1.2 million particles/km2. This is higher than plastic concentrations in the widely publicized Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Moreover, researchers estimate that over 22 million pounds of plastic enter the Great Lakes annually. That is an exorbitantly high amount of plastic, so why are we letting it continue?

The politics of plastic

The reasons often trace back to the political power of the plastic industry. They have focused on the individual responsibility of consumers rather than changes in industry practices. They also try to limit legislative action to measures promoting recycling, even though the US recycled less than 6% of its plastic waste in 2021, and recycling is considered an ineffective reducer of plastic pollution. But they do this to absolve industry of any responsibility and to make us think that individuals are responsible for plastic pollution as opposed to the plastic industry itself, which has promoted the use of plastics in almost every facet of our lives.

As such, the plastics lobby has repeatedly challenged legislation that creates meaningful systemic changes, such as single-use plastic bans, reductions in production, and extended producer responsibility.

Therefore, the Great Lakes states and the federal government have seriously lagged in plastic pollution policy. Five of the eight states have preemption laws, often called “bans on bans,” that prevent any level of local government from passing legislation to reduce plastic pollution. The plastics lobby has worked with the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) to develop a model preemptive bill for states to pass. And Congress has passed little legislation to deal with the scope of the problem.

What’s at stake?

But what’s at stake? What happens if we continue letting corporate interests and financial gain pollute our water? The Great Lakes are home to thousands of species, provide drinking water for 10% of Americans (and 25% of Canadians), and support a multi-trillion-dollar economy. Beyond the numbers, the Great Lakes are fundamental to the life and health of the Midwest.

Human health is a serious concern regarding plastics in our lakes. Though research is just beginning, microplastics have been found in Great Lakes tap water, beer, fish, and dozens of other consumables across the globe. Data compiled from several studies indicate that humans may ingest up to 5 grams of plastic a week, equivalent to the mass of a credit card. Researchers suggest most of the plastic humans ingest may come from drinking water and have detected plastic in our blood, lungs, hair, saliva, and stool.

The smaller the plastic, the more dangerous. Once in the body, microplastics may translocate, cross cell membranes, permeate tissue, and linger in human organs, potentially causing chronic inflammation. They also leach dangerous chemicals and toxins, such as phthalates, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and bisphenol A (BPA). These and other chemicals have been found in the water and microplastics of the Great Lakes. They are carcinogens, reproductive toxicants, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). EDCs, which disrupt hormones and can cause metabolic changes, have been heavily linked to a long list of health issues, including diabetes, neurological diseases, many different cancers, and reproductive damage. In short, microplastics, which have been allowed to increase and accumulate in our water, could have devastating impacts on our health and the health of future generations.

Federal action is needed

Given that states are not dealing with this problem and local governments sometimes find their hands tied, it is imperative that the federal government take comprehensive action that puts the responsibility on the producer to truly reduce plastic pollution, protect Great Lakes ecosystems, and ensure our health. An essential first step at the national level is passing the Plastic Pellet Free Waters Act, introduced by Sen. Durbin of Illinois, which prohibits the discharge of plastic pellets and other pre-production plastic materials into our water from any point source. These pellets are commonly found on Great Lakes beaches. In addition to this first step, more is required to deal with the magnitude of the problem in a comprehensive fashion. Congress should also pass the Break Free from Plastic Pollution Act, which creates a national extended producer responsibility program, phases out single-use plastic products, and targets microplastics in the environment, along with many other comprehensive measures.

Plastic pollution is a growing threat to our environment and our health and will continue to be until Congress takes comprehensive action to address this problem. The time to act on this is now.

Tell Congress: Keep Plastic “Nurdles” Out of the Great Lakes

“Nurdles” are tiny plastic pellets used as a raw material in the manufacture of plastic products. Researchers have found them on beaches in all 5 Great Lakes.

Take Action

The post Why the Great Lakes Need Comprehensive Solutions to Plastic Pollution appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2022/10/why-the-great-lakes-need-comprehensive-solutions-to-plastic-pollution/

Judy Freed

On:
In: Plastic pollution in the Great Lakes

The Great Lakes are one of the best places to spend the July 4th weekend. And, if you’re like us, plastic pollution at the beach isn’t a part of your perfect Independence Day. It’s an eyesore, it’s bad for wildlife, and it gets in our drinking water. Researchers have even found microscopic pieces of plastic in human blood!

You can help keep  plastic pollution out of our water. We’ve put together nine tips to help you have a plastic-free holiday weekend at the beach! Small changes make a huge difference.

1. Use a reusable water bottle.

Plastic bottles, bottle caps, and cans

Plastic bottles and bottle caps are among the most commonly picked up litter items on beaches. Skip the plastic drink bottles. Instead, use stainless steel or reusable water bottles and drink containers.

2. Bring reusable cutlery for your picnic.

Metal cutlery

Bring reusable cutlery instead of single-use plastic forks, knives, and spoons. Plastic never really goes away, it just breaks down into smaller pieces. Tiny plastic pieces can be consumed by wildlife and get in our drinking water — gross!

3. Skip the balloons.

Balloons flying into the air

It might be tempting, but don’t celebrate with balloons! They float away from your picnic table directly into the lake. Balloons take years to decompose and the ribbon is an entanglement risk for animals.

4. Choose paper, not plastic.

Wax paper

Pack your snacks in reusable containers or wax paper instead of plastic baggies. Paraffin-free wax paper decomposes significantly faster than plastic baggies, which can take nearly 1,000 years to decompose.

5. Recycling is an option.

Recycling bins

Using plastic is sometimes hard to avoid. If you end up with some single-use plastic, make sure you recycle.

6. Tote it.

Bring the party, but not in plastic bags. Carry all the necessary items for your festivities in a reusable bag or picnic basket.

7. Skip the straw.

Hand holding straws on a beach

Plastic straws are only used for a few minutes, but take nearly 200 years to break down.

8. Help with cleanup.

Volunteers cleanup their beach

Adopt-a-Beach cleanups are a fun, easy way to give back to your community and keep plastic pollution out of our Great Lakes. Find a cleanup near you and join in! If you don’t see a cleanup that works for you, become a Team Leader and set up one of your own.

9. Tell your friends.

Little actions make a big difference. Share your plastic-free tips and tricks with your friends, or share with us on Instagram, Facebook, X, Bluesky, or LinkedIn.

Stand Up Against Plastic Pollution

Together we’re fighting for clean beaches and clean drinking water!

Donate Today

The post 9 Tips for a Plastic-Free Summer Holiday at the Beach appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

News - Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2025/06/9-tips-for-a-plastic-free-holiday/

Jennifer Caddick