Posted: May 6, 2024
Plastic Pollution in the Spotlight for Earth Week 2024
This Earth Day, the theme of "Planet vs Plastics" took centre stage, shining a spotlight on the ubiquitous issue of plastic pollution. Against the backdrop of the INC-4 international plastics treaty negotiations in Ottawa, Ottawa Riverkeeper was deeply engaged in both local and global efforts to address this pressing environmental challenge.
As world leaders arrived in Ottawa to negotiate a global plastics treaty, Ottawa Riverkeeper spent Earth Week 2024 focused on the issue of plastic pollution. Throughout the week we organized and participated in a series of events aimed at urging decisive action to confront the plastics crisis head-on.
Local issues on a global scale
On Earth Day itself, Ottawa Riverkeeper and Waterkeeper Alliance hosted community groups, waterkeepers, and activists from around the world at our Learning Lab in the NCC River House for a compelling discussion about the plastic pollution crisis.
Together, we shared stories from Peru to Indonesia, Ghana to Nepal, and even from the regions dubbed “Cancer Alley” in the US to “Chemical Valley” in Canada. Frontline leaders highlighted the detrimental impacts of plastics on ecosystems, communities, and human health. As part of this event, the Break Free from Plastics Coalition released a declaration for strong action on plastics, which Ottawa Riverkeeper signed, urging world leaders to take comprehensive action to combat plastic pollution.
Ottawa Riverkeeper volunteers also got in on the action! Over 150 volunteers cleaned the shorelines of the Rideau River at Mooney’s Bay and Stanley Park in the days leading up to Earth Day. Their efforts culminated in the removal of a staggering 800 lbs of trash, demonstrating incredible dedication to this year’s Earth Day theme of Planet vs Plastics!
Riverkeeper Laura Reinsborough also played a pivotal role in amplifying our local perspective on this issue. From participating in the March to End the Plastic Era alongside activists, to sharing the stage at the Plastics Action Zone’s opening plenary with Canada’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Steven Guilbeault, Laura brought our community’s voice to the global conversation.
Ottawa Riverkeeper’s research on plastic pollution
From 2016 to 2019, Ottawa Riverkeeper’s Riverwatch Network, in collaboration with Dr. Jesse Vermaire’s lab at Carleton University, conducted a study of microplastics in the Ottawa River. Over three years, this community-based monitoring initiative revealed the pervasive presence of microplastic pollution in the Ottawa River. At the time, our volunteer network was the largest group of community scientists studying microplastics in freshwater in the world!
The findings were sobering—microplastics were found in every single sample taken from the Ottawa River. Of particular concern were microfibers, comprising between 70% and 100% of the observed microplastic fragments in each sample. According to the study, the second most common form of plastic fragments found was microbeads. Microbeads have since been banned with legislation put in place as of July 1st, 2018, thanks in part to Ottawa Riverkeeper’s work on the “Ban the Bead” campaign.
Looking ahead
As Earth Week 2024 recedes, Ottawa Riverkeeper remains steadfast in our commitment to combatting plastic pollution. Our endeavours throughout the week, from local cleanups to global advocacy, underscore the critical importance of addressing this pressing environmental issue. While the events may have concluded, our work is far from over. The fight against plastic pollution demands ongoing dedication and collaboration. Ottawa Riverkeeper, alongside our dedicated volunteers and partners, will continue to push for meaningful action to protect our waterways and our planet.
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