Why should we care about plastic Pollution in our local streams and waterways?
8 million tons of plastics leak into the ocean every year. According to TeamSeas.org, “Rivers are a major source of ocean plastic pollution, with research showing that 1% of rivers account for nearly 80% of pollution flowing from rivers.” The Ohio River is the most polluted river in the United States.
It’s time to clean our streams and help marine wildlife.
November 2021
Goose Creek Clean Up
On the 24th of November in 2021, I organized my first stream clean up. We chose Hounz Lane Park because it is a nearby public park and Goose Creek runs through it. Our objective was to remove the most plastic and trash in and around Goose Creek as possible.
A group of ten people joined this clean up.
Our results: Altogether, we successfully removed 16.6 pounds of trash, a wooden board, and a plastic pipe. We did this in less than an hour. That just shows that you don’t need a lot of people and a lot of time to make a difference in your community.
How You Can Help
When it comes to plastics in water, one of the best ways humans can help is to reduce or eliminate plastic use.
1. Organize Your Own Stream Clean
Invite your friends and family to a local stream to pick up trash and plastics that line the waterway.
- Pick a nearby public place with a stream
- Pick a date and time
- Send out invitations
- Bring supplies, including gloves
- Plan to spend an hour picking up all kinds of trash. Don’t be afraid to get dirty.
2. Reduce Your Plastic Use & Recycle The Rest
- Bring your own reusable bags to the grocery and other stores.
- Invest in reusable versions of water bottles, straws and cloth masks.
- Only use plastics that can be recycled and RECYCLE them.
3. Go Big & Donate to Fund The Interceptor at #TeamSeas
Team Seas is an organization that wants to remove 30 million pounds of trash from the waterways by January 1st, 2022. They are raising money to fund The Ocean Cleanup’s new river cleaning technology known as the Interceptor.
The Interceptor at Work
Learn more about how this new technology is cleaning up rivers around the world.
What People Say
“One of the best ways you can help keep water clean and to protect animals is to stay curious. Ask questions and keep learning about water.”
Valerie Lucas, Executive Director at Clean Water Professionals of Kentucky & Tennessee
“Most of the trash we found was adjacent to Hurstbourne and was mostly fast food containers because people are just throwing them out the window when they are done with them.”
John Stothard, My Grandpa
About Me
My name is Jack Hauer. I am ten years old and live in Louisville, KY with my mom, dad, sister and dog. I am enrolled at Norton Commons Elementary School and I like to play sports like baseball, soccer, and football. As you might be able to guess, I feel very strongly about subjects like water pollution and want the best for the environment. We only have one Earth.
Clean Up Your Streams 