Have you ever seen a cigarette butt on the side of the road and wondered where it eventually ends up? Well, that trash gets washed down a storm drain with innumerable other bits of trash. Those drains flow into ditches that flow into streams. The streams flow into rivers and bays and finally make their way to the Gulf of Mexico. That cigarette butt has traveled from the street to our shores filled with vulnerable marine life.
Sadly, countless pieces of marine debris end up in bodies of water, and it is the responsibility of each of us to do our part to help prevent that from happening. Trash that fills our waterways can come from drains, but it also comes from recreational activity right on the beaches.
It’s not just about making sure the beach looks pretty for strolling and swimming, although that is a plus.
There are many unwelcome consequences of marine debris, including:
- wildlife illness, injury, or death;
- water vessel damage;
- boating hazards; and
- damaged natural habitats.
It isn’t challenging to prevent marine debris. Below are just three tips to help you do your part.
- Properly dispose of your trash, including cigarette butts.
- Use reusable water bottles and bags to help reduce plastic and paper usage.
- When you leave the beach, place all trash and recyclables in designated receptacles.
Help keep our coast clean by following our Leave Only Footprints principles.