TORONTO, Oct. 5, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aquatic debris is one of the biggest threats currently facing our oceans and waterways: it impacts ecosystems, animals and people from coast to coast. Now in its 22nd year, the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup enlists more than 54,000 volunteers annually for one of the largest direct-action conservation programs in the country, picking up litter from shorelines before it can get into waterways.
The Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup is an ideal chance for everyone to make a difference in their communities by cleaning shorelines of litter and once again, the Canadian Plastics Industry Association (CPIA) team came together to clean up a local waterway; this year is was the Credit River is Mississauga, Ontario on Sept. 24, 2015.
"As a site sponsor of the Shoreline Cleanup, CPIA was very excited to participate in the Shoreline Cleanup again this year." says Carol Hochu, CPIA President and CEO. "This national conservation effort is a great chance for everyone to get involved and play an important role in keeping our waterways healthy for our community and the plants and animals that rely on our waters for survival."
By removing shoreline litter from waterbodies, such as the Credit River, participants in the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup are helping prevent animal entanglement, water contamination and dangers for water-based activities such as boating and swimming. Over its history, the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup has helped to remove over 1.2 million kilograms of shoreline litter – the approximate weight of 259 school buses.
"The problem of shoreline litter and its impact on our aquatic environments is one that only continues to grow." said Kate Le Souef, Manager of the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup. "Human activity is causing the problem, so it's up to each of us to help."
Shoreline cleanups can happen along the edge of any body of water – rivers, ponds, lakes, beaches and anywhere else where land and water meet. The Shoreline Cleanup is a joint conservation initiative of the Vancouver Aquarium and WWF and every year thousands of Canadians participate. You can get involved by visiting www.shorelinecleanup.ca for a cleanup location near you.
Facts
- The Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup is presented by Loblaw Companies Limited, and is an initiative of Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre and WWF-Canada.
- Shoreline cleanups began in 1994, when a small team from the Vancouver Aquarium conducted a local shoreline cleanup in Vancouver's Stanley Park.
- In 2002, the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup became a national program, providing all Canadians the opportunity to make a difference in their local community, while taking part in a nationwide event.
- In 2014, nearly 140,000 kg of litter was removed from 2,500 km of shorelines from across Canada.
- The Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup is Canada's largest contributor to the International Coastal Cleanup, a global effort to remove harmful litter and aquatic debris from shorelines.
- Throughout its 22-year history, more than 1.2 million kilograms of shoreline litter have been removed from Canadian waterways.
In 2014, the most common items found on shorelines included, cigarettes/cigarette filters; food wrappers; plastic and paper bags; caps and lids; beverage cans and bottles; disposable cups, plates and cutlery; straws and stirrers; tobacco packaging and building materials.
About the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup
The Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup, presented by Loblaw Companies Limited, is one of the largest direct action conservation programs in Canada. A conservation initiative of the Vancouver Aquarium and WWF, the Shoreline Cleanup aims to promote understanding of shoreline litter issues by engaging Canadians to rehabilitate shoreline areas through cleanups. www.ShorelineCleanup.ca
About
The Vancouver Aquarium is a non-profit society dedicated to the conservation of aquatic life. www.vanaqua.org
About WWF
WWF is creating solutions to the most serious conservation challenges facing our planet, helping people and nature thrive. www.wwf.ca
About Loblaw Companies Limited
Loblaw Companies Limited, a subsidiary of George Weston Limited, is Canada's largest food retailer and a leading provider of drugstore, general merchandise and financial products and services. www.loblaw.ca
About Canadian Plastics Industry Association
The Canadian Plastics Industry Association is the national voice of Canada's plastics industry, representing the interests of processors, material suppliers, equipment manufacturers and brand owners across the country. www.plastics.ca
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the Vancouver Aquarium
A photo accompanying this release is available at: http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=36681
