Let’s Talk Trash! SEPT / OCT 2019
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Each year national park visitors generate
. Litter Laws in Tennessee Tennessee has an average of 5,100 pieces of litter per mile on urban freeways. Thirty percent is deliberate litter from people in vehicles and 70% is negligent litter from unsecured loads. Littering Must Stop . Litter weighing less than five pounds is a class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $50, imprisonment up to 30 days, or both, and up to 40 hours community service. The court may also require work in a recycling center up to eight hours. . Litter weighing between five and 10 pounds is a class B misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $500, six months imprisonment, or both, and up to 80 hours community service. The court may also require work in a recycling center up to eight hours. . Litter weighing more than 10 pounds or for any commercial purpose is a class A misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $2,500, imprisonment up to 11 months and 29 days, or both. . If third conviction in any amount exceeding 10 pounds or upon the second conviction in any amount exceeding 1,000 pounds or in any amount for any commercial purpose, class E felony. Imprisonment between one year and six years, and possible fine up to $3,000. The court must also require community service litter removal for up to 160 hours. (see §40-35-111)
That's enough trash to fill the Statue of Liberty more than 1,800 times.
Here's what you can do to help. Opt for Online : Yes, paper maps are a national parks staple. But in our world of modern technology and ubiquitous smartphones, op for an app, that provides the same information - they're out there. And even without cell service, some national park apps will give helpful information about where you can spot wildlife or catch a beautiful sunset. Mug for the Parks : Bring a reusable coffee mug from home or buy one from the souvenir shop to help reduce the 58 billion paper cups are sent to America's landdlls every year. BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle) : Americans throw away 2.5 million plastic bottles every hour. Keep a reellable water bottle on hand or buy one at gift shop, while taking advantage of reelling stations around the park. Ditch the Plastic Bag : Help reduce waste by not taking a plastic bag when buying souvenirs or groceries that you bring into the parks. Instead, bring your own reusable bag or tote for your items to help eliminate plastic bag waste. Take Out What You Bring In : Think about what you bring in. Check to see if it can be recycled or composted in the park you are visiting. If it cannot, try to take it home. It is often far easier to recycle near your home than in rural park areas. https://www.thestreet.com/story/13837668/1/trash-in-our-national-parks-why-it-s-your-problem-too.html
PHOTO: https://www.nps.gov/teachers/classrooms/marine-wildlife-and-harmful-trash.htm
PHOTO: https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/public-works-to-expand-trash-collection-to-national-parks- during-federal-shutdown/
"If visitors to national parks took steps to lessen their environmental footprint, it would make a significant difference in addressing these waste challenges," says Theresa Pierno, president and CEO of National Parks Conservation Association. "The actions we take now, whether it's drinking from reusable water bottles instead of buying plastic ones or taking out what you take into the park, will make an impact for generations to come."
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