Alliance for the Great Lakes

Gov JB Pritzker signed three new laws that will reduce plastic pollution and protect our waters and our communities. HB 4418 will officially designate plastic pellets as a pollutant for the first time. In doing so, Illinois will become the first of the Great Lakes states to hold producers of industrial plastic pellets accountable for spills of these toxic pellets into our waterways. HB 5070 will strengthen Illinois’ environmental protections and ensure Illinois retains its science-based standards. It gives the Illinois EPA the authority to protect our Illinois drinking water and reduce harm from industrial air, water, and hazardous toxic waste, and landfills while preventing the impact of federal EPA rollbacks. SB 3772 establishes a new Office of Environmental Justice and strengthens environmental justice integration into Illinois environmental permitting processes for places identified as environmental justice (EJ) concern areas, ensuring that communities disproportionately affected by pollution receive enhanced protections. For more about the importance of science-based public policy, view here:https://bit.ly/4z6lFvj

Every shoreline cleanup starts with someone willing to lead 🏖️ Our upcoming virtual training will walk you through everything you need to plan and lead a successful shoreline cleanup, from recruiting volunteers to collecting litter data after your event. Whether you're leading your first cleanup or looking for a refresher, you'll leave ready to make an impact. 📅 August 12, 2026 ⏰ 6:00-7:00pm CDT 💻 Virtual over Zoom 🔗 Register today! https://bit.ly/4wdyl0w #AdoptABeach #GreatLakes #Volunteer #ThingstodoChicago #BeachCleanup

🌊 Your donation will triple today! Thanks to a generous donor, every gift made by midnight tonight will be tripled, helping protect the Great Lakes from plastic pollution and supporting cleaner beaches, healthier water, and stronger communities. There's never been a better time to give. Make your donation before midnight and triple your impact for the Great Lakes. Donate now: https://bit.ly/4wywy7p

We're Hiring: Volunteer Engagement Manager Passionate about protecting the Great Lakes and inspiring others to take action? We're looking for a Volunteer Engagement Manager to lead our Adopt-a-Beach and Ambassador volunteer programs, build meaningful community partnerships, and help grow a network of advocates across the Great Lakes region. Apply Now: https://bit.ly/3SUKgmh

Taking a moment to reflect on my gratitude for the opportunity to speak at Upwell’s “An Ocean of Justice” and reflect on how deeply connected our communities truly are. Coastal cities, rural communities, and Midwestern cities like Chicago may experience water differently, but we are all facing the consequences of climate change, aging infrastructure, and decades of unequal investment. Flooding is not only a coastal issue. It is happening in basements, streets, farms, neighborhoods, and communities across the country. And too often, the people carrying the greatest burden are those who have received the fewest resources, protections, and opportunities to shape the solutions. Real climate and water justice requires us to move beyond geographic boundaries, listen to the people most affected, and build solutions with communities rather than simply for them. Thank you to Upwell, Green2.0, EarthJustice for creating space for this important conversation! And thank you to my fellow panelists who were all incredible voices to commune and learn with 🌊 #OceanJustice #WaterJustice #ClimateJustice #EnvironmentalJustice #Flooding #Chicago #CommunityLedSolutions

Double Your Impact. Support a Plastic-Free Future The Great Lakes are flooded with 22 million pounds of plastic each year but we’re not standing still. With your help, we’re raising $15,000 this month to fund cleanups, smarter plastic policies, and education that empowers communities to take action. And right now, every dollar you give by July 31 will be matched, up to $15,000! https://lnkd.in/gYQvfxXu

The Alliance for the Great Lakes is pleased to announce the Community Partnerships Grant Program – Southern Lake Michigan (CPGP), a new funding opportunity that supports the goals of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI). Through CPGP, the Alliance will award a total of $1,125,000 in 2026 to support community-driven projects that reduce pollution, control invasive species, and restore lands and waters throughout the Southern Lake Michigan Watershed program area. If you're part of a community organization, local government, Tribal nation, or other eligible partner working to improve Southern Lake Michigan, we encourage you to learn more about eligibility, application timelines, upcoming workshops, and available support for applicants. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gAHMYKkZ

Happy Fourth of July! 🇺🇸 From all of us at the Alliance for the Great Lakes, we wish you a safe, joyful, and memorable Independence Day. Whether you're spending time with family and friends, enjoying the water, or celebrating in your community, we hope your holiday is filled with fun, connection, and appreciation for the places we all cherish.

Thank you, Miller Cooper & Co., Ltd., for showing up for the Great Lakes! Last month, your teams removed 15.54 pounds of litter from Glencoe Park Beach and 72.5 lbs removed from Oak Street, helping protect the shoreline for people, wildlife, and future generations. Your commitment to cleaner beaches and healthier waters is making a lasting impact.

Data centers are multiplying, using large amounts of energy and water and posing pollution risks. The POWER Act, proposed in Illinois, establishes transparent reporting and consumer protection requirements for data centers to help ensure Illinois’ water resources are used responsibly. Our Andrea Densham joined a panel on WTTW/Chicago PBS where she explained how guard rails on an emerging industry like data centers are important to protect our shared waters. https://lnkd.in/gVkZfWwk