Canada’s Dirty Dozen: These 12 items don’t belong on our shores

Last fall, more than 10,891 bags of garbage were collected in the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup.  The good news is that there is now 99,280 kilograms less garbage out there harming species and their ecosystems.  The bad news is it shouldn’t be there in the first place.  These are the most popular items collected on our shores, or as we call them, the Dirty Dozen!

1.  Cigarette/Cigarette Filters

2.  Food Wrappers

3.  Plastic Bottle Caps

 4.  Plastic Beverage Bottles

5.  Beverage Cans

 6.  Straws, Stirrers

7.  Plastic Bags

8.  Metal Bottle Caps

 9.  Plastic, foam packaging

 10.  Grocery Bags

11.  Plastic Lids

12.  Construction Materials

Canada’s shorelines need some extra attention to make sure our waters are healthy for everyone. Sign up for the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup presented by Loblaw Companies Limited and find a cleanup near you.  This is a great way to learn about how litter impacts our ecosystem, species and communities, and to make a real difference in the health of your local waters.