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Programs | plastic pollution
plastic pollution prevention initiatives
The Lake Huron Coastal Centre has been a leader in reducing plastic pollution along Lake Huron for over two decades. We run various programming with the goal of preventing or limiting plastic pollution in and around Lake Huron, through both active and passive pollution prevention methods.
Our plastic pollution solutions
Active Pollution prevention
Shoreline Clean-Ups
The LHCC has been hosting beach clean-up events in communities along the Lake Huron coast for over a decade. Each summer, communities from Sarnia to the Bruce Peninsula and beyond mobilize to remove litter from the shoreline, learn more about plastic pollution, and take action in environmental stewardship.​
passive Pollution prevention
Beach Clean-Up Stations
Beach clean-up stations are installed on popular beaches along the Lake Huron shoreline to provide supplies needed for individuals to clean up the beach on their own time. These stations are managed by "Station Stewards" — volunteers from the community who keep the station stocked with supplies and who update the LHCC on it's use.
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We currently operate 6 beach clean-up stations along the shoreline in Grand Bend, Point Clark, Kincardine, Gobles Grove, Port Elgin, and Southampton.
Microplastic Capture
Most items collected at our beach clean-ups are cigarette butts, nurdles (plastic pellets), foam, and plastic fragments. Traditional cleanups remain effective for large litter, but the rising prevalence of small plastics requires new solutions.
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To capture these small types of litter before they reach Lake Huron, we work with partners to install Enviropod LittaTraps in stormwater drains on public and private property. ​
education and outreach
We are engaged in plastic pollution ecuation in a variety of ways.
This includes:
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Educational presentations to community groups.
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Interactive workshops in the classroom.
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Plastic pollution programming through the CCYC program.
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Sharing information and new research on plastic pollution and microplastics through our social media and newsletter.
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Data collection on microplastic fibers in Lake Huron water.
Learn more about our 2025 plastic reduction initiatives in our annual report!
In 2025, we...
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Held 12 beach clean-up events across the Lake Huron shoreline, spanning from Sarnia to the Bruce Peninsula.
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Removed 1200 lbs of garbage from the shoreline with the help of 630 volunteers.
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Operated 6 beach clean-up stations from Grand Bend to Southampton with the help of community volunteers,
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Gave 10 educational presentations on plastic and microplastic pollution in Lake Huron to 220 individuals in community groups, school classrooms, and environmental professionals.
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Provided 4 Litta Traps to municipal partners for installation in public stormwater drains.
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Developed and/or strengthened 44 partnerships with community groups, local businesses, governments, and NGOs.
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Engaged with 330 children and youth through beach clean-ups, workshops, and presentations.​​​​​​
Thank you to our many sponsors and Funders for their support
Our beach clean-up events with over 100 participants are a great opportunity to recognize our generous sponsors that contribute to fight plastic pollution in and around Lake Huron.
SPONSORSHIP PACKAGE
Since 2015...
4944
lbs of garbage have been removed from the Lake Huron shoreline!
2210
volunteers have joined us at beach clean-ups in communities from Sarnia to the Bruce Peninsula!
