FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 15, 2024

TORONTO, ON — Recently, local MPP Christine Hogarth participated in the making of a video with A Greener Future that highlighted the work the group is doing along the lake’s shoreline thanks to a $10,300 Capital grant the group received last year from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF).  Funds from the grant were put to work by the environmental group to create Nurdle Nets, which are wooden devices that will collect nurdles – which are pre-production plastic pellets used in the manufacturing of all plastic products, and that are frequently found along the shores of Lake Ontario.

“Tiny plastic particles are a big problem threatening our waterways and wildlife,” said Christine Hogarth, MPP for Etobicoke-Lakeshore. “I am incredibly proud to have community partners like A Greener Future who bring their experience and dedication to our fight against microplastics. I am pleased that the Ontario government, through the Ontario Trillium Foundation, is supporting such strategic partnerships in the community. A big shout out to Greg and his family for creating an inventive tool that will be impactful in protecting the environment,” added MPP Hogarth.  

The grant has been instrumental in A Greener Future acquiring essential supplies for constructing Nurdle Nets and other specialized equipment. These tools will significantly enhance its efforts to remove nurdles and small plastic debris from the beaches of Marie Curtis Park in Etobicoke. Nurdles often end up in the environment through spills and mishandling during transport. Due to their size, nurdles are extremely difficult to clean up with traditional methods. This initiative not only combats plastic pollution but also fosters a sense of community by bringing volunteers together for a common goal. By actively participating in beach cleanups, residents can connect with nature, reduce eco-anxiety, and contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment.

“We started noticing nurdles on our beaches just a few years ago, although they’ve probably been there for decades,” said Rochelle Byrne, Executive Director, A Greener Future. “To try and clean them up we’ve been using spaghetti strainers to sift the sand. This is a very tedious process, so having funding to help us develop a device that makes nurdle cleanup a more efficient process is a huge win. We’re looking forward to hosting public nurdle hunt events in September to have volunteers test out our Nurdle Nets.”

A Greener Future is committed to providing opportunities that bring together a community of volunteers and inspire action to create a clean, healthy environment that can be sustained for generations. Its volunteers learn, connect, and take action through litter clean-ups. All event listings can be found on A Greener Future’s website: www.agreenerfuture.ca/events-page 

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested more than $110M into 1,044 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.

The video can be viewed and shared on Instagram or LinkedIn

Organization Contact for Media Inquiries:

Katherine Roesler, Public Relations Manager
416-892-4187 |katherine@agreenerfuture.ca

Rochelle Byrne, Executive Director/Founder
705-791-5358 | rochelle@agreenerfuture.ca