Plastic pollution in the Great Lakes

Researchers have found stunningly high amounts of tiny plastic pieces in all five Great Lakes. They’ve found microscopic plastic pieces in drinking water, fish, and beer – and even in human blood.

Visit our campaign page to see how you can be part of the solution. Learn more about Great Lakes plastic pollution below.

Webinar

September 30, 2025

Webinar: Reducing Plastic Foodware, Protecting our Great Lakes — Training for Restaurants

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. Watch this free […]

Blog

July 17, 2025

Plastic Foam Legislation Advances in Illinois

Earlier this year, we asked our Illinois supporters to send a message to their legislators: keep plastic pollution out of the Great Lakes and our drinking water. Our supporters delivered […]

BLOG

June 30, 2025

9 Tips for a Plastic-Free Summer Holiday at the Beach

The Great Lakes are one of the best places to spend the July 4th weekend. And, if you’re like us, plastic pollution at the beach isn’t a part of your […]

Webinar

May 5, 2025

Webinar: Reducing Plastic Pollution in the Great Lakes

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 […]

Blog

April 4, 2025

Plastic Reduction Bills Could Make Big Impact in Illinois

Illinoisans are sending a clear message to their representatives: keep plastic out of the Great Lakes and our drinking water. This year, they’ve sent over 1,200 messages (and counting!) to […]

Blog

March 21, 2025

Great Lakes Scientists Support Illinois Bill to Protect Drinking Water from Plastic Microfibers

More than 30 Great Lakes scientists have called on Illinois legislators to establish a science-based standard for capturing plastic microfibers released from washing machines. By setting a standard, not a […]

Webinar

February 20, 2025

Report from DC: Great Lakes Issues on the National Stage

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 […]

Blog

January 29, 2025

How Washington Can Support the Great Lakes in 2025

Significant progress continues to be made in protecting and restoring the Great Lakes, but much more needs to be done. The federal government plays a major role in this work […]

Webinar

December 12, 2024

Webinar: The Election and the Great Lakes

Hear from Alliance for the Great Lakes staff about what the 2024 election means for the Great Lakes. We’ll discuss how we can all work together to protect the lakes […]

Blog

December 9, 2024

3 Big Firsts for Adopt-a-Beach

Thanks to our amazing volunteers, Adopt-a-Beach celebrated three big firsts in 2024. Adopt-a-Beach on your phone This spring, our beach cleanup program launched a new system that allows volunteers to […]