Community enagement for the reduction of Great Lakes microplastics

Session: Microplastics in the Environment: Source, Fate, Impact, Detection, and Mitigation (2)

Carol Miller, Wayne State University, 2154 Engineering Bldg, cmiller@eng.wayne.edu
Yongli Zhang, Wayne State University, zhangyl@wayne.edu
Mark Cheng, Wayne State University, Electrical and Computer Engineering, mcheng@wayne.edu
Donna Kashian, Wayne State University, dkashian@wayne.edu
Lara Treemore-Spears, Wayne State University, fq9073@wayne.edu
Kathleen Sexton, Clinton River Watershed Council, kathleen@crwc.org

Abstract

The involvement of community is critical to the efficient resolution of many types of environmental/ecological crises.  This is certainly the case for the issue of microplastic presence in the Great Lakes, whicwh is attributed primarily to human interactions with plastic-based products, as well as engineered systems that transfer plastic wastes from one setting to another.  Community engagement is necessary to address this problem "at the source": in the homes, schools, and business settings where plastics are used, consumed, and disposed.  In this presentation, tools for community engagement around green infrastructure, alternative laundering techniques, and recycling education are presented from the perspective of two communities in lower Michigan.