Opinion | Protecting West Michigan from harmful plastic pollution starts with us

West Michigan has provided refuge for people seeking to connect with nature for generations.  From the sparkling waters of Lake Michigan to the sweeping trails of our national forests, the region is a natural paradise — one where we, as locals, take immense pride in the plants, animals, and people who call it home.

As a West Michigan native, I have been fortunate to grow up surrounded by 234 lakes, 356 miles of rivers, and more than 100,000 acres of national forest. The best part of my day, even now at 20 years old, is driving along the Muskegon River  — one of Michigan’s largest rivers, teeming with steelhead and brown trout. It is a quiet reminder of the beauty that surrounds me, and of the deep connection my community has to the land and waters that sustain us.

Unfortunately, that natural heritage is under threat.

In Newaygo, a small town nestled about 45 miles north of Grand Rapids, a new chemical recycling facility threatens to disrupt the very environment that makes this region so special. Chemical recycling has been presented as a promising solution to the growing problem of plastic waste by capturing valuable resources from discarded items.

But, if you look a little closer, the reality of this project tells a much different story.

Chemical recycling, unlike traditional material recovery facilities, does not just sort plastic for reuse. It shreds and vaporizes it. This toxic vapor is then captured and condensed to be used as fuel. 

Plastic shredding and combustion of its fuel are highly unpredictable, increasing the risk of harmful chemical releasing into the environment. Even when the plastic is successfully combusted, toxins (such as endocrine disruptors like phthalates and cancer-causing dioxins) are still released into the air. These pollutants pose grave risks to human health, and particularly threaten children–who can suffer from learning disabilities and long-term developmental effects as a result of exposure. 

For those of us who live here, the thought of this pollution creeping into our beloved rivers and lakes is alarming. Our community is dedicated to maintaining the natural beauty that surrounds us, from the waters where we fish and swim, to the forests and meadows where wildlife like coyotes, sandhill cranes, and wood frogs thrive. When I think about Newaygo’s hidden gems, like the Muskegon River, running rampant with pollution and chemical vapor, I know that I have to take action to help save the environment and community that raised me. 

Unfortunately, because of new legislation introduced into Congress, Newaygo will not be the only small town facing the threat of chemical recycling. In September 2024, HR 9676 was introduced to the House of Representatives, falsely posed as a policy that would reduce plastic pollution. HR 9676 undermines traditional recycling methods and other effective policy measures by advocating for chemical recycling as a more effective approach to achieving a circular economy. As legislation around the world begins to embrace this controversial technology, it is crucial that our communities and policy makers understand the risks in order to protect our waterways.

The good news is that we are not powerless in this fight. We can make our voices heard. That is why I decided to become an EarthEcho International Marine Plastics Ambassador, a youth leadership program made possible with support from SC Johnson. I have started fighting alongside Marine Plastics Ambassadors from each Great Lake state to champion a youth sign-on letter urging our Congressional representatives to support legislation for true, circular solutions to plastic pollution. We must urge policymakers to focus on real solutions, not temporary fixes, by opposing legislation that encourages the expansion of chemical recycling facilities and weakens our move away from harmful single-use plastics.

My generation, and the generations that succeed us, can be the catalyst for change. The future children of West Michigan deserve to experience these special places, just as I did. They should be able to sit around campfires, making s’mores. They should be able to swim in clean lakes. They should be able to experience the great outdoors without chemicals deteriorating their health and surroundings. We cannot allow these kids to grow up in an area where it is dangerous to have a connection with the land. Together, we can ensure that West Michigan remains a place where nature and people thrive in harmony.