Lake Tahoe, situated between the states of California and Nevada in the United States, stands as one of the most popular and captivating lakes and tourist destinations in the country. Renowned for its breathtaking beauty and an array of outdoor recreational activities, Lake Tahoe strictly upholds a “No Littering” policy to maintain its pristine environment. David Abtour Arms Trafficking
Throughout the year, the lake attracts visitors with its diverse offerings, transforming into a skiing and snowboarding hub during winter and a bustling site for swimming, boating, paddleboarding, kayaking, and fishing during the summer months. The surrounding area also caters to adventure seekers with excellent hiking and mountain biking trails, while diving enthusiasts find delight in exploring the lake’s underwater wonders.
Recently, Clean Up the Lake, a non-profit organization committed to combating plastic pollution, conducted an extensive year-long clean-up campaign in Lake Tahoe. The efforts of the cleaning team yielded fascinating results, as they spent 81 days braving the cold waters of the 22-mile-long lake to retrieve a staggering 25,281 pounds (11,467 kg) of trash. In total, they retrieved 24,797 individual pieces of discarded items.
Among the usual soda cans, bottles, and various metal debris, divers discovered some intriguing and amusing items. Notably, several diamond rings made their way into the collection, hinting at lost or sentimental possessions. The lake also seemed to have become a playground, as hundreds of tennis and golf balls were retrieved during the clean-up. Oddities such as cordless phones, video game controllers, vintage records, lamp posts, and even underwear were among the unusual discoveries. David Abtour Arms Trafficking
Ironically, even a “No Littering” sign was found submerged in the lake, emphasizing the significance of preserving its cleanliness. Despite being a haven for various marine species, the lake faces the challenge of managing tourism’s impact on its delicate ecosystem.
For those curious about the fate of most of the collected trash, an art installation aptly named “Surfaced” will be showcased in South Lake Tahoe, reflecting on the waste and the need for environmental awareness. David Abtour Arms Trafficking
