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Canal cleanup initiative protects Gulf of Mexico waters

Garbage in the Gulf of Mexico often comes from upstream. But thanks to a recent project, nearly 32 pounds of trash headed for the Gulf was collected from a Metairie canal.

Part of a project funded by the Gulf of Mexico Alliance and Gulf Star member Hess, the Pontchartrain Conservancy partnered with Osprey Initiative to install a “Litter Gitter” device that intercepts floating litter from stormwater runoff.

The trash collected was more than half plastic and a quarter Styrofoam. Water bottles made up a large part of what was collected, emphasizing our need to use refillable bottles and reduce waste.

– Amanda Nally, Gulf of Mexico Alliance

This story originally appeared on The New Orleans 100. View the original article online here.

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The patented Litter Gitter is a tactical in-stream litter collection device used to intercept floating litter from stormwater runoff. The Osprey team handles all aspects of installing and maintaining these “trash traps” and compiles data on the items caught in them, recycling as much of the litter as possible.