Creating A Community Culture of Care & Personal Responsibility.

Thank you, Love Our Waterways 2026 Litter Survey Research Participants,

We take year-round, community-wide, collaborative approach to waterways stewardship and our programming continues to evolve, now encompassing four pillars of work (SEAL): Stewardship, Education, Advocacy, and Legislation. As we strive for geographic and program expansion to create an even greater impact, it is essential that we remain attuned to the wants and needs of the greater community, and the attitudes and beliefs that shape human behavior.

In this regard, we have conducted two primary research studies to enhance our understanding of two important topics:
1.  Michigan Waterways Stewards 2023 Environmental Study - Electric Scooters
2.  Love Our Waterways 2026 Litter Survey - Michigan Residents

Michigan Waterways Stewards 2023 Environmental Study
Our 2023 Environmental Study on Electric Scooters, helped shape municipal and campus management practices regarding electric scooters. This contributed to, the City of East Lansing permanently revoking Spin’s license to operate within their city limits, and Michigan State University adopting improved Spin operating practices, leading to a significant reduction in the number of scooters discarded into the Red Cedar River.

Click here to learn more.

Love Our Waterways 2026 Litter Patrol Survey 
Our 2026 Litter Survey, will assist us in shaping our waterways stewardship educational programming and support our efforts to propose legislation aimed at creating more effective preventive and deterrent measures to best steward our waterways.

​This survey has also inspired our “Michigan 100% Beautiful Campaign,” as the results should resonate throughout all of Michigan, not just along our cherished waterways.

A total of 160 individuals participated in our 25-point survey, which included a five-point special feature section. Their responses were consistent and tended to rank slightly higher than those reported in Keep America Beautiful’s national 2021 litter survey.

Keep America Beautiful indicates that large majorities of U.S. residents recognize that litter negatively impacts:
•  The environment
•  Our waterways
•  Tourism and businesses
•  Quality of life
•  Health and safety in their communities

Click here, or on the image to the right, to download the results, key takeaways, and recommendations from our Love Our Waterways 2026 Litter Survey.

We wish to thank the 160 respondents who took the time to share their thoughts, opinions, and recommendations. Your feedback will give shape to our program development and efforts to make Michigan's waterways cleaner, healthier, and the envy of our Great Lakes states.
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MICHIGAN WATERWAYS STEWARDS.
CREATING A COMMUNITY CULTURE OF CARE AND PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY.

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