Microplastics on Great Lakes Beaches (U.S. National Park Service)

What Can We Do?

This report aims to examine the distribution of microplastics and microfibers in relation to various factors such as local geography, ocean currents, and levels of urbanization. By analyzing the distribution of these debris across a wide geographic area, we can gain insights into their migration patterns, likely sources, and the geographical areas most susceptible to their impacts. This understanding will enable us to identify effective strategies to reduce their input and minimize their impacts on both humans and wildlife.

Efforts at Regional, National, and International Levels

Efforts to address this complex issue are being undertaken at regional, national, and international levels. The U.S. Marine Debris Act (2006) and the Save our Seas Acts (2018 and 2020) prioritize the prevention, research, assessment, and removal of marine debris, with specific focus on understanding and addressing microplastics. Additionally, the U.S. passed the Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015, which prohibits the use of rinse-off cosmetics containing intentionally added plastic microbeads.

A Great Lakes Marine Debris Action Plan was developed in 2020 through a voluntary and collaborative effort involving 39 organizations from the United States and Canada. This five-year Action Plan outlines 47 specific actions aimed at research and monitoring, policy and management, prevention, and removal of marine debris.

Individual Responsibility and Solutions

Addressing this issue also requires individual responsibility and conscious choices. Many single-use and disposable items that we use in our daily lives can end up as marine debris and contribute to the presence of microplastics. By working together as a community, we can all contribute to the protection of the Great Lakes. Simple actions such as picking up trash from our local streets, rivers, streams, and beaches can make a significant difference. Additionally, reducing our consumption of plastics and opting for reusable alternatives wherever possible can help prevent the presence of microplastics in the Great Lakes. By collectively taking action, we can be part of the solution and safeguard the health of the Great Lakes ecosystem.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

SDG 14: Life Below Water

The article discusses the distribution of microplastics and microfibers in the Great Lakes, which are bodies of water. SDG 14 aims to prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution, including marine debris, which includes microplastics.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

The article emphasizes the need to reduce waste generation and highlights the impact of single-use and disposable items on marine debris. SDG 12 focuses on responsible consumption and production, including waste reduction and recycling.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

The article mentions efforts to address marine debris through coordinated actions and personal choices, such as picking up trash and reducing plastic consumption. SDG 11 aims to reduce the adverse environmental impact of cities, including waste management.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Target 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, particularly from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution

The article highlights efforts to prevent and address marine debris, including microplastics, through legislation and action plans.

Target 12.5: By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse

The article emphasizes the need to reduce waste generation and promotes personal choices to reduce plastic consumption and use reusable alternatives.

Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management

The article mentions coordinated actions to address marine debris, including waste management, and encourages individuals to pick up trash in their local areas.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Indicator 14.1.1: Index of coastal eutrophication and floating plastic debris density

The article discusses the distribution of microplastics and microfibers in relation to factors such as local geography and ocean currents, which can be indicators of marine pollution and debris density.

Indicator 12.5.1: National recycling rate, tons of material recycled

The article emphasizes the need to reduce waste generation and highlights personal choices to reduce plastic consumption and increase recycling.

Indicator 11.6.1: Proportion of urban solid waste regularly collected and with adequate final discharge

The article mentions efforts to address marine debris through coordinated actions, including waste management, which can be measured by the proportion of urban solid waste regularly collected and properly disposed of.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: nps.gov