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Managing Microplastics in the Kingston, Ontario, Community: A Novel One Health Innovation
Summary
A One Health community initiative in Kingston, Ontario proposes repurposing plastic bags — diverted from entering waterways — into sleeping bags for unhoused people, combining environmental plastic reduction with direct social benefit. The paper argues that local circular economy projects addressing the "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" framework are a scalable model for reducing microplastic precursors from entering ecosystems.
The adverse impacts of microplastics on human health, non-human animals, and the environment are long-standing issues that affect communities across Canada and worldwide. The slow degradation of plastics and their bioaccumulation in plants, animals, and ecosystems can lead to poor growth outcomes and physiological side effects. Comprehensive initiatives that address the "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" principles for plastic are urgently needed. To support Kingston City Council's mission to reduce plastic and waste contamination in waterways, this proposed initiative aims to redirect plastic bags from entering the environment and repurpose them into sleeping bags.