Plastics permeate every part of our lives, from packaging for food and beverages, to our clothing, to cosmetics and medical supplies. It’s estimated that each year, nearly 22 million pounds of plastic enters the Great Lakes, posing threats to the environment and, potentially, public health.
Part of the solution to this problem involves helping people make a connection between the convenience of plastic and how pervasive it is, said Abigail Comar, Ohio Sea Grant’s marine debris outreach specialist. Through her role based in northeast Ohio, Comar contributes to ongoing projects helping to raise awareness about plastic pollution and marine debris.
Marine debris is defined as any solid, manufactured material that has been disposed of or abandoned in the marine environment or the Great Lakes
“Plastic has become a part of almost every single aspect of everyone’s life,” Comar said. “I think bringing intentional awareness to its presence and how you interact with it is an important stepping stone toward making change.”
Read more about raising awareness about plastic pollution in the Great Lakes >>