iSustain’s commitment to environmental stewardship and combating pollution was showcased once again during the 4th annual Chickamauga Lake Cleanup with Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful (KTNRB). Volunteers were taken out in KTNRB’s 26-foot work boats to clean the shorelines in an effort to preserve our waterways by reducing pollution and microplastics.
This event, held on a bright and beautiful day, brought together 27 dedicated volunteers who worked tirelessly to remove litter and debris from the lake. The enthusiasm and determination of our volunteers were evident from the start, as they gathered early in the morning, ready with gloves, trash bags, and a shared mission to make a difference.
Impressive Results
The results of the cleanup were nothing short of impressive. Volunteers managed to collect 124 bags of litter, over 100 square feet of dock styrofoam, 8 tires, a small abandoned fishing boat, and various other items totaling 5,959 pounds. Over the last 5 years, 25,860 lbs of trash has been removed from Chickamauga Lake cleanups sponsored by iSustain and administered by Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful.
Loading the Trash Boat for the ride home! (L-R) Adam Rogers, Colby Rodgers, Kathleen Gibi, Dawn Huber, Ava Davis, Mark Huber, and Frank Dixon
Preventing Microplastic Pollution
One of the significant benefits of these cleanup efforts is the prevention of microplastic pollution. By removing larger pieces of plastic and other debris from the lake, we help prevent them from breaking down into microplastics, which are much harder to clean up and pose a severe threat to aquatic life. Microplastics, defined as plastic pieces less than 5 millimeters long, enter our rivers and creeks and eventually find their way into oceans and beyond. These tiny particles are often ingested by wildlife, causing digestive system blockages and other health issues.
Research shows that microplastics are also a human health concern. Studies have found microplastics in human lungs and have shown that we consume at least 50,000 microplastic particles per year through our food and water. Bottled water, in particular, contains significantly more microplastic particles compared to tap water, highlighting the need for sustainable alternatives and better waste management practices.
The success of the 2024 Chickamauga Lake Cleanup is yet another reminder of the importance of collaboration in our efforts to combat microplastic pollution and preserve our natural spaces for future generations.
Strong Partnerships and Long-Term Commitment
At iSustain, we believe in the power of partnerships to drive positive change. Our ongoing collaboration with KTNRB, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, is a cornerstone of our efforts. KTNRB’s mission to protect the Tennessee River aligns perfectly with our own goals, and we are proud to support their initiatives year after year.
The Keep The Tennessee River Beautiful organization hosts river cleanups and other programming to inspire litter cleanup and educate the community about our waterways and what they can do to make a difference. Their volunteer cleanups are held along the 652-mile Tennessee River and its tributaries. The organization’s inspirational work spans seven states: TN, AL, MS, KY, GA, NC, and VA.
This partnership not only amplifies our impact but also strengthens our community bonds, fostering a network of organizations and individuals dedicated to environmental stewardship. Kathleen Gibi, Executive Director of KTNRB, expressed her gratitude, stating, “iSustain has demonstrated the true impact that one company can make in working with a water cleanup nonprofit, and we’re so grateful for their commitment to protecting our waterways.”
Community Collaboration
The 2024 Chickamauga Lake Cleanup was also made possible through the help and support of several organizations. Collaboration for this event included local partner Keep Soddy-Daisy Beautiful and the generous support of Capital Waste Services, LLC of Soddy Daisy, who donated dumpster services to ensure all collected trash was properly disposed of. We also extend our gratitude to Chester Frost Park for providing the perfect launch point for our cleanup activities.
Celebrating a successful river clean up after unloading the trash from the boat! (L-R) Colby Rodgers, Dawn Huber, Mark Huber, Adam Rogers, Kathleen Gibi, Avery Kearley, and Frank Dixon (background)
A Call to Continued Action
The 2024 Chickamauga Lake Cleanup serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that collective action can have on our environment. Each piece of litter removed is a step towards a cleaner, healthier Tennessee River. The success of this year’s event inspires us to continue our efforts and to engage more people in our mission.
Mark Huber, Vice President of Business Development for iSustain, Inc., and KTNRB Board President, shared, “So exciting to be a part of the KTNRB efforts to educate, create awareness, and make an impact on the litter in our waterways. KTNRB is focusing on the source of ocean litter and microplastic contamination, and through outreach and education, we can all make a difference on our beautiful waterways here in Tennessee as well as nationally.”
“Here’s a bright idea, don’t litter!” -Mark Huber
Join Us in Our Mission
As we celebrate the achievements of the 2024 cleanup, we also recognize that there is still much work to be done. We invite everyone to join us in our efforts to protect and preserve our natural resources. Together, we can create a cleaner, healthier future for our beloved Tennessee River.
Let’s stay committed to this cause and continue to make a positive impact on our environment. Thank you to all the volunteers and partners who made this year’s cleanup a success. Your dedication and hard work are truly inspiring.
