Mission
Plastic-Free Cleveland raises awareness about the issue of plastic pollution, its impacts, and solutions through partnerships with organizations in the Greater Cleveland area and the Great Lakes region. We use research and local knowledge to develop science-based education and outreach programs focused on the prevention of plastic pollution including solutions related to plastic reduction.
Vision
Thriving communities free of plastic pollution.
Values
Plastic-Free Cleveland values:
Awareness of the issue of plastic pollution through local knowledge and science-based information.
Environmental stewardship as the responsibility of everyone.
Safe and clean drinking water, air, and soils.
Vibrant, healthy, and safe communities.
High quality habitats and ecosystems for all living organisms.
Cost-effective and sustainable solutions focused on prevention and reduction of nonessential plastics.
Solutions that meet the needs of communities, including those most vulnerable.
About Us
Plastic-Free Cleveland began in 2023 through a partnership with Plastic-Free Milwaukee, Milwaukee Riverkeeper, and Wisconsin Sea Grant. The initiative is supported by a 2-year grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate-Ready Coasts program, through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The primary objective of the partnership is to reduce the use of nonessential plastics by individuals and businesses.
Plastic pollution is an increasing threat to environmental and human health globally. It is estimated that nearly 22 million pounds of trash enter the Great Lakes each year, with a quarter entering Lake Erie alone. With 90-96% of this debris consisting primarily of single-use plastics, businesses, government agencies, non-profits, and coastal communities must coordinate efforts to reduce their use.
Plastic-Free Cleveland is a collaboration of stakeholders from the private and public sector, government (city, county, state, and federal), non-profit, education, and community-based organizations. Founding organizations are listed below.
- City of Cleveland, Mayor’s Office of Sustainability
- Cuyahoga County Board of Health
- Cuyahoga County Department of Sustainability
- Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District
- Eriesponsible
- Greater Cleveland Aquarium
- ODNR Old Woman Creek National Estuarine Research Reserve
- Ohio Clean Marinas
- Ohio Sea Grant
- The Surfrider Foundation, Northern Ohio Chapter
- The Ohio State University
- Tinker’s Creek Watershed Partners