CHATTANOOGA, Tenn — Millions of pounds of trash end up in waterways every year, much of it starting on land and washing into rivers after storms.
According to the United Nations, the equivalent of about 2,000 garbage trucks full of plastic are dumped into the world’s oceans, lakes and rivers every day. Environmental advocates say the same pattern plays out locally in Tennessee, where even small pieces of litter can make their way into the Tennessee River.
That concern is the focus of NewsChannel 9’s Clean Currents campaign, which aims to raise awareness about how everyday trash affects local waterways.
Experts say anything left on streets, sidewalks or yards can eventually end up in creeks and rivers, including Chattanooga Creek, which feeds into the Tennessee River…