Meijer has announced a $280,000 contribution to the Council of the Great Lakes Region Foundation to continue supporting the Great Lakes Plastic Cleanup initiative in 2026.
The investment builds on Meijer’s ongoing commitment to protect the Great Lakes and the communities that depend on them by helping bring innovative cleanup technologies to the Great Lakes watershed, including five BeBots and five PixieDrones, while supporting six local partners in their on-the-ground operations.
“At Meijer, we believe in the power of partnerships to create lasting change for our communities and our environment,” said Erik Petrovskis, director of environmental compliance and sustainability at Meijer.
“Our continued investment in the Council of the Great Lakes Region and Great Lakes Plastic Cleanup is a reflection of our commitment to protecting these vital waterways for future generations.”
During the 2026 season, GLPC partners, with continued support from Meijer, will expand community engagement efforts through shoreline cleanups, hands-on events, and public outreach initiatives. These efforts invite residents, families, and organizations to be part of the solution while demonstrating the real-world impact of collaborative environmental action.
“Meijer has set a powerful example of how private-sector leadership can drive measurable environmental impact while strengthening the communities they serve,” said Vance Badawey, president and CEO of the Council of the Great Lakes Region.
“Their investment in the Great Lakes Plastic Cleanup has enabled innovation, expanded regional partnerships, and delivered tangible results on the ground. We are endlessly grateful to Meijer for their support and partnership, and we hope their leadership inspires other organizations to join us in scaling this work and protecting the Great Lakes.”
Since 2022, Meijer has contributed more than $1.5 million to support the deployment of cleanup technologies and local partner operations through the Great Lakes Plastic Cleanup. From launching initial fleets of BeBots and PixieDrones to expanding coverage across Ohio, Michigan, and Wisconsin, Meijer’s investments have helped establish one of the largest coordinated freshwater cleanup efforts in the region.