Cigarette Butts Number One Found Item in Creek

Volunteers have found plenty of garbage during the annual clean up along Vernon Creek.

The effort on Wednesday was part of the Adopt A Stream program through the Regional District of North Okanagan.

“This annual event has seen many items collected, ranging from broken signs and lawn chairs to a large portion of a truck bed with the most common items being plastic food wraps,
drink cups,cans, and wipes,” says Jennifer Miles, RDNO’s water sustainability coordinator.

Miles says it’s everyone’s responsibility as good neighbours to prevent garbage from ending up in  waterways.

“Unfortunately, cigarette butts were once again the top item collected. Particularly in light of the fire risk, but to also protect our water year-round from the chemicals left in the filters, we encourage smokers to find better ways to dispose of their cigarette butts. There are many options available that are better than littering.”