Tennessee Riverkeeper removed approximately 725 pounds of litter from Browns Creek, a tributary of the Cumberland River. Most of the pieces of litter removed were comprised of some type of plastic, which helps reduce microplastic pollution.

Nine volunteers removed the aquatic litter from Browns Creek and its shore line. Plastic bottles, styrofoam, cigarette butts, and various wrappers continue to be the most abundant pieces of litter.

This area of Browns Creek near the Cumberland River is a collection zone for garbage. Often litter that gets thrown out on streets will flow into creeks and rivers after rain events via drainage systems. Unfortunately, this creates a situation where waterways receive a plethora of plastics. We now know that this garbage negatively impacts water quality and is much more than just a visible eyesore.

@DavidWhiteside, of nonprofit Tennessee Riverkeeper said: “In 2021, Riverkeeper has prevented over 9,500 pounds of litter from entering our waterways. These events show that a few people can make a difference, and cleanups provide some hope for hundreds of thousands of citizens who are concerned about our blessed river and its tributaries. Clean water is a nonpartisan issue; we are all in this together.”

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