In 2019, microplastics will be a major focus for GSWA.
Plastic is everywhere, and a lot of it ends up in our local rivers, streams, and oceans. Eventually this plastic breaks up into very small particles, known as microplastics, and aquatic life and birds ingest these plastic particles. So not only are our waters contaminated,
the entire food chain is compromised.
To combat this growing environmental crisis, we have expanded our water quality program to include testing for microplastics. To successfully institute this new protocol, we will determine the best sampling sites along the Passaic river and its tributaries, test water samples, methodically trace leads to determine the cause(s) when microplastics are found, and offer viable solutions.
The scope of this new program is directly related to the financial support the organization receives. With bigger funding, more testing sites will be added further downstream, and additional research can be conducted to locate the cause and resolve issues.
Please consider making a donation to the Great Swamp Watershed Association on #GivingTuesday. Your gift, no matter what the size, will go a long way toward helping us combat the monumentally critical issue of microplastics in our rivers and streams, and even in our bodies.
#GivingTuesday is a day of giving that takes place annually on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. The goal is to inspire people to collaborate in improving their local communities and to give back in impactful ways to the charities and causes they support. GSWA is pleased to join the movement again this year and hopes to reach their year-end fundraising goal of $10,000 from their dedicated donors to fund their new microplastic program.
“It is so gratifying to see how many people take the time to give back through the act of volunteering, donating, and participating in our educational programs, hikes and workshops throughout the year,” said Sally Rubin, Executive Director of GSWA. “As we approach this holiday season it is our hope that people will embrace the spirit of #GivingTuesday as a different kind of holiday giving.
Giving Tuesday is November 27. Donate now!
For more details about #GivingTuesday visit GivingTuesday.org, follow @GivingTues and #GivingTuesday on social media.
GSWA is thankful to our generous 2018 Gala underwriters: New Jersey American Water, Normandy Realty, Pfizer, Inc., Whole Foods Market, Drinker Biddle and Reath LLP, Private Advisor Group, PSEG, Atlantic Health, Brimstone Consulting Group, and Dixon Energy.
