Our Work
We tackle marine debris from every angle - removal, prevention, education, and advocacy - to make our mission have a larger impact.
What We Do
Removal
We organize and support cleanup events across the Great Lakes basin, removing thousands of pieces of trash with the help of community groups and volunteers.
Education
We provide online and place-based community outreach and education to cultivate a culture of responsibility amongst Great Lakes community members, united in their commitment to an environment free from marine debris.
Prevention
We create prevention and stewardship programs, working with businesses, restaurants, and institutions to reduce single-use plastic at the source and provide environmentally-friendly alternatives.
Advocacy
We turn passion into action through educating the public about environmental issues and advocacy movements, equipping them with resources, tools, and actions they can take to ensure their voice reaches legislators and decision-makers.
Why It Matters
The Great Lakes hold nearly 21% of the world’s fresh water and supply drinking water to more than 30 million people across two countries. Every year, an estimated 22 million pounds of plastic pollution enter this system - washing up on beaches, drifting down rivers, and breaking apart into microplastics that work their way into fish, wildlife, and eventually, us.
More than 85% of the debris that volunteers collect during Great Lakes cleanups is plastic. Left unchecked, it doesn’t go away. It gets smaller and harder to remove.
of the world's fresh water
people rely on the Great Lakes for drinking water
of plastic enters the Great Lakes every year
of cleanup debris collected is plastic
That’s why we’re on a mission to remove and prevent marine debris from every angle to make our work have a larger impact.