• Who We Are
    • Mission & Vision
    • Staff & Board
    • Honors
    • Our History
    • Financials
    • Contact Us
  • What We Do
    • Environment
    • Education
    • Community
    • Advocacy
  • How to Help
    • Membership & Donations
    • Give a Tribute Gift
    • Volunteer
    • Other Ways to Give
  • Events
    • LHF Gala
    • Lake Loop
    • Block Party
    • Community Calendar
  • Events
    • LHF Gala
    • Lake Loop
    • Block Party
    • Community Calendar
  • News
    • News
    • LHF in the News
    • Press Releases
  • News
    • News
    • LHF in the News
    • Press Releases
  • Volunteer
  • Donate
Volunteer Donate
  • E-News Signup
  • Calendar
  • Contact
  • E-News Signup
  • Calendar
  • Contact
Lake Hopatcong Foundation
  • Who We Are
    • Mission & Vision
    • Staff & Board
    • Honors
    • Our History
    • Financials
    • Contact Us
  • What We Do
    • Environment
    • Education
    • Community
    • Advocacy
  • How to Help
    • Membership & Donations
    • Give a Tribute Gift
    • Volunteer
    • Other Ways to Give
  • Events
    • LHF Gala
    • Lake Loop
    • Block Party
    • Community Calendar
  • News
    • News
    • LHF in the News
    • Press Releases
  • Volunteer
  • Donate

News

Keep up to date

  • News
  • LHF in the News
  • Press Releases
  • News
  • Why #PlasticFreeJuly?

Why #PlasticFreeJuly?

July 08, 2021| Environment

By: Holly Odgers

During the summer, we’re especially grateful for our water. From quenching our thirst to cooling down at the lake, we all depend on access to clean and safe water. 

Unfortunately in recent years, plastic waste has greatly increased, often ending up in waterways, and consequently decreasing the quality of water resources. Because plastic is not biodegradable, it is broken down into small pieces called microplastics, which are plastic particles less than 5mm in diameter. These microplastics can come from a myriad of everyday objects, like plastic bags and wrappers, Styrofoam containers, synthetic clothing, and personal care products. Microplastics that enter our water bodies are often ingested by aquatic animals and work their way up the food chain (possibly to your plate!).

Microplastics study on Lake Hopatcong 

This summer, researchers from New Jersey City University (Dr. Allison Fitzgerald’s lab) will be doing the first study of microplastics in Lake Hopatcong. Microplastics can enter the lake via runoff from roads, docks, restaurants, and other businesses near the lake and negatively affect the wildlife that live in and around the lake.   

So far, results have shown the most numerous type of plastic to be microfibers (from clothing usually) followed by filaments (fishing line, dental floss, etc). We look forward to sharing the full results this fall as well as discussing with residents how we can reduce the input of microplastics into our lake and keep its ecosystem healthy! 

Tips for a #PlasticFreeJuly

Plastic-Free July is a great way to introduce small changes that make a big difference for the environment. Throughout July, try some of the following to help reduce your plastic use and protect our lake and natural resources:

  • Substitute plastic drink bottles for a reusable one

  • Use metal straws instead of single-use plastic ones

  • Clean up fishing line and nets after use

  • Be sure to collect all garbage and belongings before leaving recreation areas

For more great tips on going plastic-free, visit this post by the New York League of Conservation Voters. 

Discover your plastic footprint

Visit EARTHDAY.ORG's "End Plastic Pollution" campaign to gain an understanding of the impacts of plastic pollution on human and ecosystem health and how everyday actions can lessen the problem.  Discover your plastic footprint and commit to making a difference today! 

Recent Articles

An ad for the 2025 Gala Auction.
The Auction Is Live and It’s Not To Be Missed

July 11, 2025
Community, Events, Fundraising

Dense Blazing Star in our Native Garden
Buzzworthy Blooms in Our Native Gardens This Week

July 10, 2025
Education, Environment

Shrink Wrap being dropped off for recycling.
Boat Shrink Wrap Recycling Program Soars to 20 Tons in 2025

July 09, 2025
Community, Environment

See More

Make a difference. Donate today!

Lake Hopatcong Foundation

125 Landing Road
Landing, NJ 07850

973-663-2500
info@lakehopatcongfoundation.org

E-News Signup

Lake-Related Links
  • Water Level
  • Water Level Mgmt Plan
  • Lake Hopatcong Commission
  • Hopatcong State Park
  • State Police
  • Lake Hopatcong Historical Museum
  • LHF Links
  • Careers
  • Financials
  • Community Calendar

E-News Signup