Posted Monday, March 6, 2006

Top 10 Littered Items in Texas
  1. Cigarettes & Cigarette Filters
  2. Caps and Lids
  3. Food Wrappers & Containers
  4. Plastic Beverage Bottles, 2 liters or less
  5. Beverage Cans
  6. Plastic Bags
  7. Cups, Plates, Forks, Knives & Spoons
  8. Straws & Stirrers
  9. Glass Beverage Bottles
  10. Rope
By Eileen Kenneda
Organizing Committee

Things You Can Do
to Be Kind to our River

  • Lawn Fertilizer. Minimize or eliminate lawn fertilizer. Some sources estimate that 40% of commercial fertilizer sold goes to non-agricultural uses. Mulching lawn clippings can retain nutrients on the lawn rather than removing them.

  • Reduce waste. Bring reusable items to the waterway instead of disposable ones (waste baskets, plates, cups, eating utensils, napkins and food containers).

  • Yard Clippings. Do not sweep yard clippings or any waste materials into the waterway--they can destroy aquatic habitats
  • Helium Balloons. Discourage the release of helium balloons--they often return to water and harm wildlife.
  • Educate Others. Educate others against littering in communities--items on land are carried by rain into the waterways

  • Septic Systems. Maintain your septic system

  • Natural Areas. Protect riverside natural areas

  • Non-toxic. Use non-toxic, environmentally friendly products

Dispose of waste properly. 
Place items in garbage cans as appropriate.

Click here to post a comment in the San Bernard River Discussion Forum

Resource: 
Mostly from Keep Texas Beautiful TCEQ Handout. www.ktb.org