In 2015, it was first estimated that 4.8 to 12.7 million metric tons of plastic pollution enter the ocean worldwide every year. In 2017, we learned that only 9% of all plastic ever produced has been recycled. Further research discovered that the majority of plastic pollution in the ocean originates on land, and that rivers are the primary transporter of land-to-ocean pollution.

Based on this emerging scientific understanding, the Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory sought to develop solutions to marine plastic pollution by targeting rivers. In 2018, experts and leaders at the forefront of the fight against plastic pollution convened for a summit at the University of California, Santa Barbara to conceptualize interventions for plastic pollution in rivers. An open call for river plastic capture project proposals revealed shared concern in communities around the world as well as passionate leaders ready to take action and solve this problem. From these proposals, eight unique projects from eight different countries across four continents were selected to form the Clean Currents Coalition.

Connected by a shared mission to clean up rivers in their own communities, the Coalition became a global network of projects collaborating to develop solutions to plastic pollution. Each project uses innovative technological designs and strategies to capture and remove plastic pollution from rivers to prevent it from reaching the ocean. The ultimate goal of these projects is to turn off the tap on plastic pollution so that plastic does not enter rivers in the first place. The Coalition projects have raised awareness of plastic pollution, compiled the world’s largest public database on plastic in rivers, educated and empowered local communities, and engaged policymakers to enact stronger, more ambitious laws and regulations.

Together we can turn off the tap of plastic pollution, one river at a time.