Meijer is participating in the Great Lakes Plastic Cleanup Program through the BeBot and Pixie Drone cleaning technologies.
This initiative supports the largest deployment of Meijer’s technology which seeks to remove plastic from beaches. The BeBot works by raking sand on beaches and collecting plastic litter along with other waste so it can be recycled. The Pixie Drone navigates waterways to collect floating plastic litter and waste debris that floats on the surface.
"It is a privilege to live near the Great Lakes, which inherently comes with the responsibility to protect them," said Meijer president and CEO Rick Keyes in a statement. "Contributing to the conservation of these invaluable waterways is important to the wellbeing of our ecosystems, economy, and the communities we serve. Meijer has a strong history of environmental stewardship, and we're pleased to partner with the [Council of the Great Lakes Region] CGLR because the impact these initiatives will make will ultimately benefit generations to come."
Beginning this month, both Meijer and CGLR will lead cleanup projects in Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
"Microplastics have become one of the most pressing issues facing our waterways, both in the Great Lakes and on a global scale," said Dr. Al Steinman, the Allen and Helen Hunting Research Professor at GVSU-AWRI, in a statement. "It is critical to resolve the microplastic dilemma, not only for the ecology of our local waters, but also for the economy of our coastal communities, who visit and recreate on our beaches and lakes with the expectation they are clean and pollutant-free. The BeBot and Pixie Drone will help ensure those expectations are met."
Both technologies were funded by a $1 million donation Meijer made to CGLR in April of this year. The company continues to work on store-level projects that impact the Great Lakes, including the installation of stormwater filtration systems at select locations.
"The Great Lakes are an area of immense value, and we are proud to be hands-on in the protection of these local waterways," said Erik Petrovskis, director of environmental compliance and sustainability at Meijer, in a statement.
Related: Meijer Donates $1 Million to Help Clean Beaches, Waterways; Southeastern Grocers Makes Pollinator Commitment