Public Manage Clearinghouse Project Details

Reducing Plastic Use Among Commuters and CoastSmart Restaurants

10 km
5 mi
Mouse is not over map

Project Abstract

The purpose of this two-year project was to engage a diverse population of youth in community-based social marketing research and service projects that addressed the marine debris issues in their communities. Students worked with project staff to reduce the amount of single-use plastics and cigarette butts that begin as street litter and end up on beaches and in the ocean. This project combined techniques from previously established programs and developed bilingual messaging for the unique commercial and residential populations of Salem and Lynn, Massachusetts.

Project Results

This project team worked with 28 high school interns, who in turn, taught marine debris lessons to nearly 50 younger students. The interns, through four different project teams, created 49 outreach products, ranging from rail-side posters and billboards, to websites and social media videos, designed to raise awareness in Salem and Lynn, Massachusetts. These products had an estimated 750,000 impressions. As part of their research, the interns surveyed 87 commuters, met with staff at 20 restaurants, and engaged eight participants who will help collect cigarette butt waste in both cities. Through 80 local beach cleanups, this team removed more than 2,200 pounds of marine debris.

Metrics

Reported MetricResult
Youth and Adults Reached through Informal Education/Outreach (Num. of Individuals)78
Actual Debris Removed (Pounds)2,200

Contact Information

Barbara Warren
12 Federal Street
Salem, MA 01970-3617
978-741-7900
barbara.warren@salemsound.org

Project Details

Funding Year:
2020
State/Territory Coverage:
Massachusetts
Start Date:
09/01/2020
Stop Date:
08/31/2022
Status:
Closed
Project Category:
Prevention
Region:
Northeast
Debris Type(s):
Consumer Debris
Activities:
Education
Outreach
Prevention
Research

Budget

Federal Funding:
$136,846.00
Non-Federal Match:
$137,208.00
Total Cost:
$274,054.00
Funding Mechanism:
Prevention Education and Outreach
Funding Provider:
NOAA Marine Debris Program
Grant ID:
NA20NOS9990156

Partner Organizations

  • Girls Inc.

Downloads

Where available, project outputs are available here for download. This may include photos, outreach or communication materials, data products, final reports, and data management or data sharing documentation.
IMAGES
DOCUMENTS + LINKS
NA20NOS9990156_PPR_20220930(pdf)