Tennessee
Take Action: August is Tennessee’s Water Quality Month – Clarksville Online – Clarksville News, Sports, Events and Information
Nashville, TN – Water quality in Tennessee is a serious issue. We take pride in the beauty of our waterways—from majestic rivers to serene lakes, but litter threatens their health and well-being.
As we celebrate National Water Quality Month in August, it’s critical to tackle the litter problem and work to preserve the beauty and cleanliness of our waters.
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!
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
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — A bill moving through the Tennessee Legislature could reshape how pharmacies do business in the state, with CVS warning it could lead to widespread store closures.
The Tennessee Senate has passed legislation that would change the way pharmacies can operate. The proposal has been dubbed “the CVS bill” because it directly impacts the drugstore chain.
Under the bill, drugstores would no longer be allowed to negotiate prices directly with insurance providers or government programs. Instead, a third party would be required to step in.
The bill is now under debate in the House. CVS says the change would force more than 100 of its pharmacies to close across Tennessee, but lawmakers disagree.
Tennessee football star Jermod McCoy is the player who will likely hear his name called first from the Tennessee program in the upcoming NFL Draft. There are many teams he would fit well, but these three teams are the teams I believe he is the best fit with at this moment.
1. Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys are in need of a cornerback in the draft class, and they are likely to spend one of their first two picks on one. They are selecting at No. 12 and No. 20 in the draft as of now, and McCoy could hear his name called. He would be joining a decent group of cornerbacks, but he would be an immediate starter, likely alongside a later selection that they make with a cornerback.
It would be shocking if the Cowboys pass on him if they select at 12 and he is still on the board. McCoy would be an immediate starter and would be someone who could shut down a whole side of the field for the Cowboys early in his career.
2. Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins is one of the better fits for Jermod McCoy, and it would make the most sense, as the Dolphins could use almost every position after a major haul of their players. They are in a major rebuilding phase and drafting at No. 11 leaves many to believe that McCoy could be in play.
McCoy would likely be their No. 1 cornerbakc the day he got to the franchise, and would have the chance to dominate the way he did in his one season on the field with the Vols. This selection would depend on who drops out of the first ten selections. If he is one of the better players remaining (highly likely) he very well could hear his name called at pick 11.
3. New York Jets
The New York Jets have the chance to be very good when it comes to the draft, as they are drafting at both No. 2 and No. 16. I believe they will be looking to get a cornerback with their No. 16 pick, which would make a lot of sense considering they had to get rid of Sauce Gardner.
McCoy would be the perfect replacement, as they could find themselves in one of the better situations on the defensive side of the football. He can shutdown a side of the field, and I would bet that he would be a great fit with the Jets because of that exactly.
Add us as a preferred source on GoogleFollow
Tennessee
Nashville Sounds and Autism Tennessee partner to host inclusive Beyond the Label Day for local children
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — At a ballpark built for noise, there is space for something quieter.
During the Nashville Sounds’ “Beyond the Label Day,” kids are learning, playing and experiencing baseball in a way that works for them. Autism Tennessee volunteers stepped in to guide kids through sensory play designed to calm and focus.
From spinning toys to textured fidgets, these tools help turn overwhelming moments into manageable ones. Children engaged with the activities, pointing out shapes like a circle, noticing items like candies, and expressing how nice the experience was.
Adam English, general manager of the Nashville Sounds, said making space for everyone is the goal, even as the stadium announcer calls another Sounds strikeout.
“It’s important for us to raise awareness about autism, but also just make sure that First Horizon Park is an inclusive place for everybody” English said.
The Sounds stadium even has a sensory room for families at every game.
“There’s huge baseball fans that sometimes shy away because of loud crowds and we want to make sure every game out here available” English said.
For Autism Tennessee leaders like Jessica Moore, days like this are about more than awareness. They are about belonging.
“Typically events like this can be super overwhelming… so this is just a way for people to feel like they can come and still be successful” Moore said.
What are your thoughts on making sports venues more inclusive for all fans? Watch the video to see the sensory room in action, and share your experiences with me at kim.rafferty@NewsChannel5.com.
In this article, we used artificial intelligence to help us convert a video news report originally written by Kim Rafferty. When using this tool, both Kim Rafferty and the NewsChannel 5 editorial team verified all the facts in the article to make sure it is fair and accurate before we published it. We care about your trust in us and where you get your news, and using this tool allows us to convert our news coverage into different formats so we can quickly reach you where you like to consume information. It also lets our journalists spend more time looking into your story ideas, listening to you and digging into the stories that matter.
Checking in on Cole: Gallatin rallies around teen battling brain tumor with prayer vigil
Austin Pollack brings us an update on a remarkable young man facing great odds, and his family has one simple request: pray for Cole. I believe in the power of prayer and hope you’ll join me in lifting up Cole and his family.
– Carrie Sharp
-
Arkansas4 minutes agoTST Images: Tulsa Drillers defeat the Arkansas Travelers, 11-3, in Tulsa
-
California10 minutes agoCalifornia lawmaker introduces bill to protect wildlife from euthanasia, create coexistence program
-
Colorado16 minutes agoThornton marks 70 years: Exhibit traces Colorado city’s roots from developer’s dream to thriving suburb
-
Connecticut22 minutes ago
Marylin A. Shields Obituary
-
Delaware28 minutes agoDelaware Lottery Powerball, Play 3 Day winning numbers for April 20, 2026 – AOL
-
Florida34 minutes agoFlorida wildfire strands Amtrak passengers for over 24 hours
-
Georgia39 minutes agoDemocrats Are Ready to Reclaim Georgia. Is a Former Republican the Man for the Job?
-
Hawaii46 minutes ago7 Stunning Small Towns In Hawaii