Stopping microplastic pollution: One laundry collector at a time

Microplastics are everywhere! We’re all too familiar with the countless reports highlighting how it’s present in our air, water, soil, and even in our bodies. For Ottawa residents, the impacts of this widespread pollutant is ever-present in our communities, especially in our beloved Ottawa River. We acknowledge that microplastic pollution is a major challenge, but like most environmental issues, the problem can seem too overwhelming to solve… or is it?

Introducing Filter Forward, a community-based service project whose aim is to address microplastic pollution in our beloved city through three main approaches:

1. Public outreach and education on microplastic pollution and its local impact;
2. Giveaway of Cora Balls to capture microplastic pollution released from our clothes in the laundry;
3. Petition the Ontario government to pass Bill 83 (2023), which would mandate laundry companies to install microplastic filters in their machines throughout the province.

This is a Canada Service Corps-based initiative supported by Waterlution’s Youth 4 Resilient Communities Cohort 2 program. 

Filter Forward is looking for opportunities to table at events within the community in order to deliver on these objectives. If you’re interested in hosting us or learning more about the initiative, please contact Vanessa Fiore at fiorevanessa3@gmail.com.