The Impact of Litter on Tennessee’s Water Quality

Tennessee is home to numerous rivers, lakes, and aquifers. However, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) has estimated that about 30 percent of the state’s streams are of such poor water quality that they cannot support a healthy population of fish and other aquatic wildlife, and almost 40 percent are not fit for human recreation.

Litter in waterways has severe environmental consequences. Plastics, bottles, and other debris can break down into harmful microplastics and threaten water quality. Marine life ingests these microplastics, which then move up the food chain.

This endangers marine life and the wildlife that relies on these water sources. Litter also disrupts natural habitats and contributes to harmful algal blooms. These blooms choke out native species creating an even larger problem.

Litter also negatively impacts tourism and local businesses who rely on clean, attractive waterways to draw tourists. When litter accumulates, tourism drops, leading to lost revenue for the state and local communities. Cleaning up litter and restoring the health of waterways demands financial resources that could serve other essential projects.

Identifying the Sources of Litter

When trash is thrown away improperly, it causes a big problem. Items tossed from vehicles get carried by rainwater runoff into storm drains, eventually reaching rivers and lakes. Common issues include littering on streets, leaving trash in public spaces, and dumping waste in unauthorized areas. Even small items like cigarette butts, food wrappers, beverage containers, and plastic bags can severely harm aquatic ecosystems.

These lightweight items easily travel by wind and water and end up in our rivers, streams and lakes. Aquatic life can get tangled in it or ingest it. They also break down into microplastics, threatening aquatic life and water quality.

Be Part of the Solution

Everyone can help reduce litter by cutting back on single-use plastics. A stylish stainless-steel water bottle not only keeps you hydrated in style but also helps cut down on plastic waste. And those eco-friendly bags? They’re perfect for grocery runs and shopping sprees, all while reducing our impact on the environment. It’s a win-win for both you and our beautiful waters!

Ensure you dispose of waste in designated trash bins. Doing so prevents litter from being carried into waterways through storm drains. And when you can, recycle. It’s a fantastic way to breathe new life into materials and reduce the demand for fresh resources. When we take the extra step to sort our waste and recycling, we’re doing our part to keep Tennessee clean.
 
Volunteering for community clean-up events actively contributes to the restoration and preservation of Tennessee’s waters. These events not only remove trash but help foster a sense of togetherness. By participating in these events, you show that as Tennesseans, we care deeply about our state, it’s waters and the legacy we leave behind for future generations.

Continuing the Movement

Sometimes, the most powerful way to spread a message is through personal connections. Talk to friends, family, coworkers and neighbors about the importance of clean waters and the simple steps they can take to prevent littering. Share stories and facts that highlight the positive changes that collective action can achieve. By fostering a culture of environmental consciousness, we cultivate a generation that cherishes and protects our waters.

Social media also plays a powerful role in spreading the message. Share posts from accounts like Nobody Trashes Tennessee and encourage others to do the same. Creating a ripple effect of awareness can help turn the tide for Tennessee’s waters and ensure a sustainable future.

As we celebrate National Water Quality Month this August, let’s commit to keeping Tennessee’s waters clean and free from litter. By reducing single-use plastics, practicing proper waste disposal, recycling, participating in clean-up events and promoting education and awareness, we can make a real difference. Even the smallest actions count. When we join forces, we create a wave of positive change.

Sources:

www.tectn.org/stateofwater.html

www.tenngreen.org/national-water-quality-month-tennessees-water-quality/

www.epa.gov/trash-free-waters/learn-about-aquatic-trash

www.tnstormwater.org

The son of a former Tennessee football legend has officially entered the 2027 rankings in its early, early stages.

According to 247 Sports’ initial 2027 rankings list on Wednesday, Cooper Witten – the son of former Tennessee tight end Jason Witten – is a Top 25 overall prospect in the 2027 rankings.

Witten plays safety for Liberty Christian in Argyle, TX, where his dad Jason is the head coach.

247’s rankings have Witten listed as the No. 25 overall player, the No. 2 safety in the class, and the No. 5 player from the Lone Star State.

Though still very early in his football career, Witten put together an impressive freshman season in 2023. Witten recorded 82 tackles, four tackles for loss, two interceptions (one pick-six), two forced fumbles, and three kick blocks to begin his high school journey, according to 247.

More from RTI: Instate Running Back Includes Tennessee In Top Five, Sets Imminent Commitment Date

Witten also plays basketball and runs for the track team at Liberty Christian.

It’s unclear if Tennessee has had any contact with Witten but 247 does not have the Vols listed on his slim offer sheet so far. Witten reportedly has six offers from Baylor, Duke, Missouri, Oklahoma, TCU, and UAB.

Jason Witten’s name is held dear by many Vol fans as a strong ambassador for Tennessee football during his time in professional football and in the booth. Witten joined the Vols’ football team from Elizabethton High School and would become a First Team All-SEC selection after the 2002 season.

Witten’s journey to Rocky Top is well-documented as he believed he was headed to Tennessee as a defensive end based on a promise from then-head coach Phillip Fulmer. But when spots opened up for Tennessee’s offense with injuries in the middle of the season, Witten begrudgingly accepted the position switch. All worked out, though, as the former Vol would go on to become a storied tight-end in the SEC and even set the Vols’ tight-end records for receptions (39) and yards (493) during his senior season.

Dallas Cowboys great Jason Witten ended his NFL career with 11 Pro Bowls and was a two-time First-Team All-Pro selection.

A photograph of Witten was placed on the back of the Neyland Stadium jumbotron for many years until it was replaced with a picture of current NFL star Alvin Kamara in 2021.

Tennessee does not have any commitments in the infant stages of the 2027 class but did make some major news in the 2026 class recently. In early August, Tennessee landed a commitment from QB Faizon Brandon, the top overall prospect in the 2026 class according to 247’s rankings.

Stay tuned to Rocky Top Insider for more Tennessee football recruiting news.

2025 four-star running back Shekai Mills-Knight (Chattanooga, Tenn.) has named five finalists, including the Tennessee Volunteers, and a commitment date.

During this cycle, Baylor School running back Shekai Mills-Knight has been one of the most coveted backs in the southeast. The 6-foot-2, 210-pounder amassed interest from some of the top programs in the country after a breakout junior campaign.

The No. 271 prospect in the On3 Industry Rankings narrowed his recruitment to five finalists ahead of a decision. Alabama, Auburn, Miami, Ole Miss, and Tennessee will each have a hat on the table on August 17th when Mills-Knight announces his decision. The Ole Miss Rebels are viewed as the odds-on leader for his commitment, but Tennessee wants another running back in the class and has been swinging as of late.

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