Data Supported Solutions for Microplastics Pollution in San Francisco Bay Carolynn Box and Anna Cummins 5 Gyres Research supports the plastic pollution movement Research often backbone to action campaigns Local data can support local policy action Example: microbead ban in California This project was designed to develop scientifically supported solutions Policy Expert Committee • 22 experts / stakeholders • Diverse group of views Policy Recommendation Report • Based on project results 1 Support policies that reduce single-use plastics and packaging Local: San Francisco and others are looking to Berkeley’s disposable free ordinance Statewide: Comprehensive legislation that reduces single-use plastics 1 Support policies that reduce single-use plastics and packaging Project results • Surface water had polyethylene and polypropylene fragments, polystyrene foam • Computer modeling shows that buoyant particles are transported out of Bay Explore green stormwater 2 infrastructure as a tool to reduce microplastics Green stormwater infrastructure • Remove hard surfaces to reduce runoff to nearby water bodies Related study by SFEI • 90% removal of microplastics • Maintenance is ongoing Explore green stormwater 2 infrastructure as a tool to reduce microplastics Project results • 7 trillion microplastics enter through stormwater, 300 times more than wastewater • Half of the particles were rubbery black fragments, likely linked to tires More research on stormwater is needed 3 Identify and prioritize intervention points for fibers by filtration Evaluate the effectiveness of filters on residential, industrial, and commercial washing machines. Can legislative options be designed around most effective options? 3 Identify and prioritize intervention points for fibers by filtration Project results • 17 billion microplastics enter the Bay from wastewater • Fibers most common particle • Polyester and acrylic Other important recommendations Research needs • Airborne microplastics • Long-term monitoring Innovation Build connection between trash efforts & microplastic reduction efforts Incorporate results and recommendations into strategy Ocean Protection Council mandated to develop the first-ever Microplastic Strategy • Set research goals • Identify policy options What kind of goals should be included? 5 GYRES GLOBAL POLICY IMPACT Global trend analysis in non-linear, likely influenced by maritime policy & globalization in emerging markets. Decreasing river emissions by 25% per year reverses trend to year 2000 levels in 10 years. HOW DO WE REDUCE EMISSIONS BY 25%? Upstream Policy Change that fundamentally reduces the amount of plastic packaging entering our marketplaces, global communities, and ecosystems. .