Webinars
Hear from experts about major issues facing the Great Lakes – and learn how you can get involved.
Recent webinars
Reducing Plastic Foodware, Protecting our Great Lakes — Training for Restaurants (September 2025). 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. This is a free virtual training for restaurants about how they can reduce plastic and save money. We cover resources and toolkits, sustainable product discounts, case studies from real restaurants, and recognition programs. Presented by The Surfrider Foundation, Alliance for the Great Lakes, and Shedd Aquarium.
Preparing the Great Lakes Region for Large Water Users (September 2025). Large water-using sectors like data centers, agriculture, and critical minerals mining are growing rapidly in the Great Lakes region. States aren’t prepared for these new demands on our water, leading to unsustainable growth and conflicts over water use. How can we support economic development and protect our region’s water resources?
Reducing Plastic Pollution in the Great Lakes (May 2025). 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.
Report from DC: Great Lakes Issues on the National Stage (February 2025). How can our representatives in Washington support the Great Lakes in 2025? Hear from members of our team who presented our recently released federal priorities to members of Congress in meetings at the Capitol. In 2025 our federal agenda focuses on invasive species, fixing our failing water infrastructure, stopping plastic pollution, preventing harmful algal blooms, and ensuring funding for Great Lakes restoration. While Congress and the administration made progress last year, much work remains to be done.
From Shore to Shore: Getting Active to Protect the Great Lakes (January 2025). Discover how you can play an active role in protecting and preserving the Great Lakes! We’ll dive into a variety of ways to get involved with the Alliance for the Great Lakes, as well as some major issues facing the lakes in 2025.