Great Lakes Plastic Cleanup

Our October newsletter is here! 🍂✨ Catch up on what we’ve been up to this summer, including a season recap, a new community spotlight video, and highlights from our amazing partners and staff. Read more about it here: greatlakesplasticcleanup.org/newsletter

Are you passionate about combating plastic pollution in the Great Lakes? We're hiring Community Engagement Coordinators in various communities in Ontario! Visit tinyurl.com/GLPC-CECs to apply today!

We're celebrating #EarthDay today! 🌎 Since 2020, the GLPC has fostered environmental stewardship in the Great Lakes region. We're committed to continuing our work in bringing together collaborators from across the region to take action on plastic pollution.

Here are the top 5 items removed from the Great Lakes by our network in 2025!📊 Of these items, small and large fragments have consistently ranked in the top 5 since we started our work in 2020. In 2025, we found more rubber pieces, grocery bags and food wrappers.

More than 32.3k pieces of debris were sorted and characterized across our network in 2025!📊 In the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing insights from our 2025 data, so keep an eye out for highlights, trends, and interesting finds.📋👀

2025 was another year of strong collective impact!🤝🏻 From dedicated volunteers supporting our waste characterizations, to community events across the region and meaningful conversations with thousands of people, our work wouldn’t be possible without our Great Lakes community!💙

By amplifying diverse voices, especially women and underrepresented communities, we can foster more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable water solutions.

Happy World Water Day! 💧 This year's theme, "Where water flows, equality grows", emphasizes the relationship between water, women, and gender equality. Water is a critical resource for both humans and ecosystems, and everyone should be a part of making water decisions.

You can help make these impactful volunteer events possible! Consider making a donation today: greatlakesplasticcleanup.org/get-involved

Looking for a meaningful way to get outside this summer? 🌞 Participate in one of our volunteer events! Swipe to hear from some of our recent participants about what they learned and why they're passionate about keeping the Great Lakes clean.💙

Today is the International Day of Action for Rivers! 🏞 By working together to protect rivers from plastic pollution, we're supporting healthy communities and ecosystems in the Great Lakes.💧

Support #WWD2026 and help us continue to protect the unique biodiversity found in the Great Lakes region!🌷 Visit our website to donate: greatlakesplasticcleanup.org/get-involved

Yesterday was World Wildlife Day (WWD)!🌿🌺 This year's theme, "Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods", recognizes the importance of wildlife and biodiversity-based resources in supporting people's livelihoods and ecosystems.

Happy Valentine's Day! Use our Great Lakes-themed cards to spread the love!❤️ Show the Great Lakes some love this Valentine’s Day by donating and supporting our work to protect our waterways from plastic pollution! Visit greatlakesplasticcleanup.org/get-involved!

What is a Gutter Bin, and what types of plastic does it collect? By capturing debris directly from storm drains, the Gutter Bin helps protect our rivers and lakes before pollution ends up in our waterways. Every piece captured upstream helps keep our Great Lakes clean.💧

To date, we've engaged over 30,000 community members at more than 230 sites across the Great Lakes, including volunteers, youth, and local organizations. A huge thank you to all the communities who make this work possible. We couldn’t do it without you! ✨

Give it a try, share it with a friend, and help spread the word!💙💡Hint: There are 10 hidden words in total.

Test your Great Lakes knowledge with the Great Lakes Plastic Cleanup word search! 🔍👀 Every hidden word in this puzzle introduces the Great Lakes, the types of plastic debris commonly found in our waters, and the solution we use to #beatplasticpollution in our lakes.