Study Reveals Distant Origins of Plastic Waste in Great Lakes, Emphasizing Upstream Responsibility
A new study published in the peer-reviewed journal ACS ES&T Water indicates that plastic waste entering the Great Lakes and oceans often originates far from shorelines, with half of the plastic bottles coming from at least 10 miles and up to 120 miles away. Researchers tracked plastic smoothie shakers equipped with GPS devices tossed into rivers across the U.S. and Canada, including the Chicago River. The findings suggest that cities and towns located upstream play a significant role in plastic pollution, challenging the traditional focus on shoreline cleanups. For instance, one shaker released into the Don River in Toronto traveled nearly 230 miles across Lake Ontario to Rochester, New York. This research is part of a broader initiative to raise public awareness and advocate for policy changes regarding plastic pollution.
