City of Orlando aims to reduce waste and protect lakes; here’s how
A new partnership is working to make the City Beautiful a cleaner space.
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Ocean Conservancy and the City of Orlando are working with a team of scientists from the University of Georgia to find the cause of Orlando’s plastic pollution and find a way to reduce it.
The initiative aims to protect lakes and reduce trash in the city.
Jon Paul “J.P.” Brooker, director of Florida Conservation for Ocean Conservancy, said that the first step is conducting the city’s Circularity Assessment Protocol (CAP) study.
“This study will help us determine where the debris comes from, which is imperative in order to stop it,” Brooker said.
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Taylor Maddalene, Director of the Circularity Assessment Protocol at the Circularity Informatics Lab, University of Georgia, said the CAP study thoroughly explains plastic pollution.
“In addition to assessing litter, we analyze product offerings and packaging at local stores, evaluate waste management practices, and engage closely with community members to gain insight into local conservation perspectives,” she said. “This inclusive process, conducted in collaboration with local partners and the city, aims to identify strengths and recommend actionable steps to enhance circularity and prevent plastic pollution in the environment.”
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Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said lakes and watermarks are vital to the city’s sustainability.
“We know that what happens here has an impact on our oceans, and we have great momentum and dedication to conservation,” he said. “We’re proud to partner with Ocean Conservancy to take yet another step to keep Florida and our oceans beautiful for generations to come.”
Once the CAP study is complete, Ocean Conservancy and the City of Orlando will partner with local environmental organizations to work together on strategies to protect lakes and waterways in the City Beautiful.
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