Swim Drink Fish Blog
Read the latest updates and news releases about community science, water monitoring, Artists for Water, and more.
Zooming in on the Five Types of Microplastics
Plastics make up 80% of litter in the Great Lakes. From plastic water bottles and lids to grocery bags and food packaging, you’ve likely seen some form of plastic floating in Lake Ontario or on the shorelines. Here's a breakdown of the five major type of microplastics.
Waterkeeper's comment on proposed federal microbeads regulations, March 2016
The Federal Government is currently developing regulations to eliminate the use of microbeads in personal care products. In February, the government made its proposed regulations available to the public for comment. Lake Ontario Waterkeeper, Ottawa Riverkeeper, Fraser Riverkeeper and North Saskatchewan Riverkeeper submitted joint comments on the proposed regulations. Read them here.
Swim Drink Fish shopping tips for the holidays
Believe it or not, the annual shopping scramble has begun! While you’re jumping from store to store, it’s quite easy to forget the little things that make a big difference to our waterways. So here are 4 quick swim drink fish reminders to help you while you’re out and about this holiday season.
Plastic pollution
Plastics are plaguing rivers, lakes, and oceans around the world. And it doesn't appear to be slowing down. This is the first of Waterkeeper's six-part series on protecting waters, originally featured in Canadian Yachting's October 2015 issue.
Fed Gov’t labeling microbeads as “toxic”– A step in the right direction
Recently, the Canadian Government proposed a ban on microbeads in soaps and personal care products. At first, many of us thought this was a great win. But banning microbeads isn't as straightforward as some might think. Hannah looks closer at the situation and explains why there are concerns with the proposed ban.
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?