Microplastics in the Great Lakes

Below is a rebroadcast of a video presentation given last year by Art Hirsch on microplastics in the Great Lakes.

Microplastics in the Great Lakes 

Art Hirsch will discuss the sources, impacts, legislation and mitigation actions to address microplastics. Microplastics in the Great Lakes is an emerging water quality issue that has the potential of impacting human health and the aquatic environment. It has been estimated that microplastics are consumed by the US population at a rate of 5 grams per week; this is weight of a credit card. Microplastics are found in our food, water and even beer along the Great Lakes. Fish are ingesting microplastics that causes them to starve. Over 22 million pounds of plastic enter the Great Lakes every year and Lake Michigan is the #1 source.

Art Hirsch is a former environmental consultant with over 30 years of experience. He lives in Boulder Colorado and spends his summers in Pentwater, Michigan. He is originally from North Muskegon, Michigan and he received his Bachelor of Science degree from Michigan State University and a Master of Science degree from the University of Colorado. His expertise is in the areas of water quality, stormwater management, sustainability and environmental impact assessments. He is a member of the Climate Reality Project founded by former Vice President Gore and the For the Love of Water organization located in Traverse City and the Great Lakes Plastic Pollution Solutions Coalition. He is currently working on the Enbridge Line 5 Shutdown, GHG reductions associated with transportation, oil and gas operations and microplastics.

AFFEW VIRTUAL Annual Meeting & Presentation

The AFFEW board will hold its annual meeting via zoom due to the Covid 19 surge. Julia Chambers, AFFEW President will go over the annual report, future events, and conduct board elections. After the  business segment of our annual meeting Art Hirsch will share his presentation and knowledge on Microplastics in the Great Lakes. Use this link to learn more about the presentation.

Zoom Link

Topic: Affew Annual Meeting
Time: Nov 11, 2021 @ 7 PM

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86757133992?pwd=VG4xcUxkZ1h1RisyMldzK1pWV2p2UT09

Meeting ID: 867 5713 3992
Passcode: 835624
Phone in to Join
312-626-6799

We will post a recording of the presentation under the Events & Activities tab on our website.

Evening schedule:
7-7:20 PM | Meeting & Elections
7:25-8:15 PM | Presentation by Art Hirsch
8:15-8:30 PM | Question & Answer Session

Virtual Annual Meeting & Presentation

The AFFEW board held its annual meeting via zoom on November 11. Julia Chambers, AFFEW President gave the annual report and board elections were held. Julia Chambers, Cathy Horowski, and Dave Masten are were re-elected for a two year term. Chuck Klopinski was thanked for his year’s as treasurer and Marie Quillan was welcomed as the new treasurer for AFFEW.

Thank you also to Art Hirsch who shared his presentation and knowledge on microplastics. The recorded presentation is below.

Microplastics in the Great Lakes 

Art Hirsch will discuss the sources, impacts, legislation and mitigation actions to address microplastics. Microplastics in the Great Lakes is an emerging water quality issue that has the potential of impacting human health and the aquatic environment. It has been estimated that microplastics are consumed by the US population at a rate of 5 grams per week; this is weight of a credit card. Microplastics are found in our food, water and even beer along the Great Lakes. Fish are ingesting microplastics that causes them to starve. Over 22 million pounds of plastic enter the Great Lakes every year and Lake Michigan is the #1 source.

Art Hirsch is a former environmental consultant with over 30 years of experience. He lives in Boulder Colorado and spends his summers in Pentwater, Michigan. He is originally from North Muskegon, Michigan and he received his Bachelor of Science degree from Michigan State University and a Master of Science degree from the University of Colorado. His expertise is in the areas of water quality, stormwater management, sustainability and environmental impact assessments. He is a member of the Climate Reality Project founded by former Vice President Gore and the For the Love of Water organization located in Traverse City and the Great Lakes Plastic Pollution Solutions Coalition. He is currently working on the Enbridge Line 5 Shutdown, GHG reductions associated with transportation, oil and gas operations and microplastics.

Help Clean the Beach!

Each summer AFFEW and our committed volunteers clean the south section of the beach by the breakwater at Stearns Park. This area gets a ton of activity throughout the summer especially during the Fourth of July Freedom Festival. We meet, weather permitting, on the 3rd Wednesday June thru August at 7 pm. We also participate in the International Beach Cleanup on the 3rd Saturday in September at 10 am. Bring a bucket and gloves. We’ll have supplies available if you don’t have your own. Stick around afterwards for green drinks (BYO/no glass) and lively conversation!

Help support AFFEW by becoming a member or making a tax deductible donation!