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Read the latest stories, updates and news releases about community science, water monitoring, and more.
CASE UPDATE: Federal Gov't Move to Ban Microbeads
Yesterday, the Government of Canada announced its intention to ban plastic microbeads in personal care products. While it's clear this a great first step for the country, Waterkeeper Mark Mattson deciphers if it's enough for Canada's waterways.
We told the Ontario government a microbeads law would help the Great Lakes (and we meant it)
This 5-minute presentation by Krystyn Tully of Lake Ontario Waterkeeper summarizes the reasons the legislation would help to better protect the Great Lakes. It was delivered to the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs on June 4, 2015.
Conservation groups ask Government of Canada to classify microbeads “toxic” (Press Release)
Environmental Defence, Lake Ontario Waterkeeper, and Ottawa Riverkeeper, represented by counsel at Ecojustice, have submitted a formal request to Hon. Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment, asking the government to place microbeads on the Priority Substances List. The request, if accepted, would prompt a review on a priority basis of whether microbeads should be classified as a toxic substance.
Consuming Microbeads
"Microbeads are appearing all over the Great Lakes, destroying habitat, fish, and wildlife. They needlessly contaminate our food and water supply. The way government, business, volunteer organizations, and individuals respond to the microbeads crisis will send a signal. It will tell the world and future generations just how much we value our freshwater heritage."
Latest Buzz on Microbeads
We know the damage microbeads are causing to our waterways and our health. So what's being done?
The Microbeads Rule of Thumb
The first step in solving this macro problem is to stop purchasing products containing microbeads. But how do you know which items contain microbeads and which don’t?
Microbeads causing macro problems for Great Lakes
After washing your face or having a shower, tiny plastic beads have been flushed down your drain. Our waterways are now filled with microbeads because they’re too small for our sewer systems to filter.
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