Plastic pollution is a global problem with significant environmental, health, and economic consequences.

More than 22 million pounds of plastic pollution end up in the Great Lakes every year. Plastic pollution is persistent and can break down into microplastics, which are found in every ecosystem on Earth.

Events

August 6, 2025

HABs 101 Webinar: Lake Stories

Get top tips for preventing and managing harmful algal blooms in inland waters! In previous “HABs 101” webinars, we learned about the basics of harmful algal...

August 7, 2025

Harmful Algae Blooms and Climate Change

Join Itasca Waters and Minnesota Sea Grant in learning about how climate change plays a role in harmful algae blooms (HABs) as part of the Itasca Water Wisdom...

Featured Partner

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Alliance for the Great Lakes

The mission of Alliance for the Great Lakes is to protect, conserve, and restore the Great Lakes, ensuring healthy water in the lakes and in our communities for all generations of people and wildlife. We advance our mission as advocates for policies that support the lakes and communities, by building the research, analysis, and partnerships that motivate action, and by educating and uniting people as a voice for the Great Lakes.

Featured Producer

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Telumendil Orchard and Gardens

Telumendil Orchard and Farms s a first year regenerative farm in Haslett, MI producing cut flowers, vegetables, herbs, and fruit.

News

Invasive Red Swamp Crayfish Discovered at Michigan Hatchery

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has confirmed the presence of invasive red swamp crayfish in a rearing pond at Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery near Kalamazoo. This species, […]

Michigan Seeks Public Comment on Enbridge’s Line 5 Tunnel Project

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) is inviting public input on two permit applications from Enbridge related to its proposal to construct a tunnel beneath the […]

Toolkit

In Your Home

The decisions we make in our homes can affect our water resources.  Learn tips to minimize your impact on Michigan’s waterways by making small changes in the appliances you use, how you store and dispose of chemicals, how you do your laundry, and more!

In Your Yard

Yard care is a huge responsibility, especially when you consider how your choices impact local waterways.  By selecting greener options for landscaping, maintenance of your septic system, application of lawn chemicals, and other yardwork, you can better protect your water resources.

In Your Community

Enjoying Michigan’s wide variety of recreational opportunities in the outdoors brings added responsibilities to protect our natural resources.  Learn how to minimize plastic pollution in our waterways, prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species, and other tips to keep our shared outdoor spaces healthy and clean!

Resources

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Lesson Plans

Check out these free lesson plans on water conservation and other science topics organized by grade level.

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Videos

Browse environmental videos on a variety of topics like agriculture, the Great Lakes, the water cycle, wildlife, and more!

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Reading Material

Here you’ll find free books, magazines, and online library collections to read up on your favorite conservation topics.

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We’re all connected by water.