Report: Plastics make up majority of litter in Great Lakes
Tiny pieces of plastic have emerged as the most prevalent form of litter found along the shoreline of the Great Lakes, according to a new report by the Alliance for the Great Lakes organization. Over the last two decades, the non-profit collected data from over 14,000 beach cleanups that were led by volunteers from all five Great Lakes and the states that border them, including Wisconsin.
The group found that 86% of all litter picked up by volunteers over this period was either partially or fully made of plastic, including food wrappers, straws, and plastic water bottles. Reda, volunteer engagement manager for the group and author of the new report, stated that the prevalence of plastic litter is detrimental to human health and the environment. As the plastic products disintegrate into microplastics in the water, they can make their way into wildlife and humans, as studies have already found these tiny plastic particles in earthworms and human guts. Recognizing that the Great Lakes are a source of drinking water for around 40 million people, Reda asserted that policymakers need to focus on systemic changes around plastic usage and management at all levels of government, from federal to local.
The report calls for the reduction of single-use plastic products and an embrace of eco-friendly alternatives such as biodegradable tablewares, paper bags, and recyclable packaging. The report also recommends that Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies, a regulatory approach that holds manufacturers accountable for the environmental costs associated with their products, be implemented widely, as they have already been adopted in Europe, Canada, and a few U.S. states, including Colorado, California, and Oregon.
