1. Introduction

A Greener Future (AGF) is committed to openly sharing litter cleanup data to encourage environmental action, research, and public awareness. This Data Use Policy outlines how the general public may responsibly access, use, and share the open-source data collected during AGF’s cleanup initiatives. By accessing or downloading this data, users agree to comply with the terms outlined below.

The open-source dataset includes information submitted during cleanups conducted under AGF’s three main programs (Nurdle Hunts, Butt Blitzes, and Love Your Lakes) as well as other general cleanups conducted by staff and volunteers.

The purpose of this document is to outline the acceptable and ethical use of the dataset to ensure responsible and transparent data usage.

2. Definitions

  • Data User: Any individual, organization, or entity that accesses, downloads, or uses the dataset provided by A Greener Future.

  • Dataset: The collection of litter data generated from AGF’s cleanup events, including litter types, quantities, and location information.

  • Open Source: Data that is freely accessible and available to the public under this policy.

  • Commercial Use: Use of the data for profit-oriented purposes, including any activities aimed at financial gain.

  • Personal Information: Information that can identify an individual, either directly or indirectly. In AGF’s dataset, volunteer personal information is excluded to protect privacy.

  • Attribution: The requirement to give proper credit when using open-source data. The citation must include a reference to the original source, a link to the Creative Commons license, and a mention of any modifications made to the data.

  • Modification: Any alterations, additions, or deletions to the dataset.

  • Adaptation: New datasets, visualizations, analyses, or projects created using the original dataset.

3. Scope 

Who is Covered by This Policy?

This policy applies to all individuals or entities that download, access, or use the data provided by A Greener Future, including but not limited to researchers, educators, and environmental advocates. 

What Data Does This Policy Apply To?

This policy governs all litter cleanup data collected and made available by AGF, including but not limited to:

  • Event dates and locations

  • Types and quantities of litter collected

  • Number of volunteers at each cleanup event

  • Cleanup sponsor and partnership information (if applicable)

4. Data Use Permissions 

The dataset can be used for various purposes, including:

  • Research: Conducting studies on litter trends, environmental impacts, or waste reduction strategies.

  • Education: Supporting teaching materials or projects that focus on environmental issues, pollution, and sustainability.

  • Environmental Assessments: Assisting with the evaluation of waste management practices and pollution levels in different areas.

  • Policy Development and Advocacy: Informing local and regional policy on waste management, sustainability, and environmental protection.

  • Business and Corporate Social Responsibility: Helping companies assess their environmental impact and develop more sustainable practices.

Attribution Requirements

Users must give appropriate credit to A Greener Future when utilizing the data, as defined by the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license. This includes providing a reference to the original source and indicating if any changes were made to the data.

5. Restrictions on Data Use 

Users are prohibited from altering the open-source data in ways that could mislead or misrepresent the findings. The context of the data should remain intact to ensure accuracy. The data may not be used for purposes that harm the environment or promote unethical practices, including discrimination or harm to individuals or communities. 

6. Data Attribution 

When using A Greener Future’s datasets, proper attribution is required. To comply with the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license, users must:

  • Provide a clear credit to A Greener Future in all publications, reports, or online content where the data is used.

  • Include a link to the Creative Commons license.

  • Indicate if any modifications or adaptations were made to the dataset.

Example Citations:

  • Research Paper: "Data from A Greener Future’s litter cleanup programs, accessed [date], used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license. [Link to dataset]"

  • Social Media: “Litter data provided by @AGreenerFuture under CC BY 4.0. Changes were made. [Link to dataset]”

  • Website: "Data courtesy of A Greener Future, used under CC BY 4.0."

7. Privacy Considerations 

A Greener Future takes the privacy of its volunteers seriously. No personal identifying information is shared in the public dataset, only the final headcount for each cleanup is included. The data has been anonymized in this way to prevent re-identification of individual participants, safeguarding their privacy.

8. Liability and Disclaimers 

The open-source dataset is provided as-is, and A Greener Future makes no guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, or fitness for a particular purpose. AGF does its best to ensure the quality and of the data, but users must acknowledge that there may be limitations. Users assume all responsibility for their interpretations and uses of the data. A Greener Future is not liable for any damages, losses, or consequences resulting from the use or interpretation of the dataset.

9. Terms of Modification 

Users are allowed to modify and create derivative works from the dataset under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license, which permits:

  • Remixing, transforming, and building upon the data for any purpose, including commercial use.

  • Sharing adaptations of the data, as long as proper attribution is given and the original data source is credited.

If users make significant changes or improvements to the dataset, they are encouraged to share these modifications with A Greener Future to promote further collaboration and data enhancement.

10. Contact Information 

For questions about this data use policy or the dataset, please send us an email to info@agreenerfuture.ca, or via our contact form on our website (www.agreenerfuture.ca).

Last Updated: November 29, 2024

A Greener Future’s
Open Source Data Policy