Plastic pollution is the buildup of plastic products, like water bottles, grocery bags, utensils, and Styrofoam, in the environment. Plastics often enter our waterways through direct dumping or runoff.
Plastic pollution isn’t just an eyesore. It affects water quality, wildlife, and even our health. As plastics break down, they release harmful chemicals and microplastics (tiny particles smaller than 5 millimeters). These particles are so small that they escape conventional water filtration systems and are ingested by aquatic organisms, leading to harmful effects on fish, birds, and other wildlife, and potentially enter the human food chain.
Larger plastic debris may injure wildlife, spoil natural beauty, and hurt industries like fishing and tourism. For Carolinians, this pollution means that our cherished waterways are compromised, affecting everything from local ecosystems to our health and enjoyment of recreational activities.
Trash Traps are litter collectors that capture floating debris carried into streams. Their lightweight, portable design make them easier to place in smaller waterways and prevent them from interfering with aquatic wildlife movement or the flow of the water.
Since 2021, Riverkeepers across the state have installed 25 Trash Traps, removing over 175,000 items with the help of more than 1,100 volunteers to collect data on plastic pollution and educate individuals on better stormwater management and behavior changes. Explore the Waterkeepers Carolina Trash Trap Data Dashboard above to learn more!
In response to the urgent need for more information on plastic pollution, Waterkeepers Carolina and individual Riverkeepers have collaborated with community partners to launch groundbreaking studies on the abundance and impacts of plastic pollution.
“Improving Human and Ecosystem Health through Microplastic Reduction”
In a two-year study with UNC-Wilmington, Duke Environmental Law and Policy Clinic, and Plastic Ocean Project, we collected water and sediment samples across the state and assessed the presence and impact of micro and macro plastics in our surface waters.
“The Cost of Litter in North Carolina”
Cape Fear River Watch, Haw River Assembly, MountainTrue, NC Conservation Network, and Duke Environmental Law and Policy Clinic gathered data to better understand just how much litter is out there and how much it costs North Carolina.
“Quantifying Riverine Plastic Pollution Using Participatory Science and Trash Traps”
North Carolina Riverkeepers and Duke University collaborated to better understand litter in freshwater ecosystems and the challenges and opportunities of using trash traps to combat plastic pollution in streams.
Reduce Plastic Waste:
Make informed choices to minimize plastic use in your daily life. Opt for reusable products and avoid single-use plastics. Read Our Blog.
Get Involved:
Join local waterkeeper-led cleanup efforts to help remove plastic waste from our waterways. Volunteer for events and become an advocate for better waste management practices. Find Your Waterkeeper
Advocate:
Contact your legislators in Raleigh about plastic pollution in your community and explain why you care.
For Western NC Residents:
Get involved with PlasticFreeWNC.com
