Partners in Project Green is proud to have supported four incredible research projects conducted by the University of Toronto Trash Team, in collaboration with the Rochman Lab, to address pressing questions related to plastic pollution. Projects were carried out using solutions-based research methods to inform the prevention of plastic pollution upstream, each focused on a specific source.
These projects were supported because of their focus on upstream (source) solutions. For projects focused on downstream solutions, visit the Toronto Inner Habour Floatables Strategy, a collaborative strategy with a mission to reduce plastic pollution and other floating litter in the harbour. It is a collaboration between the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority the Toronto Remedial Action Plan, University of Toronto Trash Team, PortsToronto, City of Toronto, Swim Drink Fish, Waterfront Business Improvement Area, Harbourfront Centre, and Waterfront Toronto.
Wipes vs. Pipes
Did you know that most wet wipes are made of plastic? Did you also know that when they are flushed, many end up in our streams, creeks and rivers? For example, in a recent study, wet wipes alone made up 25% of all macroplastic pollution in the Don River. Find out more about the environmental emissions and pollution of wet wipes in Toronto, what standards exist for such products, and policy recommendations.
In Pursuit of Polystyrene
This multi-phase project is focused on addressing the issue of polystyrene at the source. Polystyrene foam has been reported to be littering Toronto streets, beaches, and slips. Common sources of polystyrene foam include takeout containers, packaging, and construction sites.
Ditching Disposables
As part of the City of Toronto’s Single-Use and Takeaway Items Reduction Strategy to reduce plastic waste, this project assessed the level of participation by local businesses in reducing single-use foodware, assessed the challenges and opportunities to implementing reusable programs, determined the perceptions of consumers around supporting businesses with or without such programs, provided a practical guide on implementing such programs, and conducted case studies of foodservice businesses implementing Bring Your Own (BYO) options and/or offer reusables for takeout.
Operation Sweep the Creek
Pre-production plastics pellets are typically characterized by their distinct spherical/cylindrical shape and small size (2-5mm) and are the foundation of everyday plastic products. Due to their small size and lightweight nature, plastic pellets are often lost in the environment during day-to-day business operations and swept into waterways through runoff from stormwater drains. This three-phase project was designed to address the problem of plastic pellet pollution at the source.
For more information on how to take action on floatable litter, contact Darlene.Coyle@trca.ca