Mississippi River Plastic Pollution Initiative

Did you know that up to 80% of marine plastic originates on land, and rivers are a major route for plastic litter to be transported from inland communities to the ocean?

The Mississippi River Plastic Pollution Initiative is collecting data through a ‘community science’ approach to create a plastic pollution map. The map will help understand the state of plastic pollution along the River and help communities, scientists, policy-makers, businesses, and citizens take action.

1 Mississippi is proud to partner with the Mississippi River Plastic Pollution Initiative led by the United Nations Environment Programme, the Mississippi River Cities & Towns Initiative, the National Geographic Society, and the University of Georgia. To find out more, visit The Mississippi River Plastic Pollution Initiative | UNEP – UN Environment Programme.

Ready to join in and make a difference? Follow these steps:

Step 1: Download the Marine Debris Tracker App

• Download the Debris Tracker App here
• Open the App and allow access to your location
• Click “Start Tracking” and select the list named “MRCTI.”

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Step 2: Use the Field Guide

The Mississippi River Citizen Science Field guide provides detailed information on how to use the App and how to collect data easily and safely. Click here for the guide.

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Step 3: Collect Data

All data is valuable, but we encourage you to:

• Select an area from the sampling map

• Join an organized event

One Mississippi is a proud to partner with the Mississippi River Plastic Pollution Initiative led by the United Nations Environment Programme, the Mississippi River Cities & Towns Initiative, the National Geographic Society, and the University of Georgia.

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Looking for more info?

Sign up for notifications about the initiative here.

Read the Mississippi River Plastic Pollution Initiative Factsheet

Read recent Washington Post Article: Mississippi River cities join project to map plastic litter

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