The ugly: Take them home
From the archive. This page keeps material from the hiking club website that once used this domain. JHB Hiking is an independent magazine; routes, access and fees may have changed, so check with the landowner or reserve before you go.
These things which do not belong in nature
|
Cigarette butts
|
The most commonly littered item making up half of all roadside litter. An estimated 4.5 trillion butts are littered every year.
|
|
Composition
|
Cellulose acetate, a form of plastic
|
|
Problem
|
Cigarette butts are non biodegradable and can exist in the environment as long as other forms of plastic.
The toxic residue which they are designed to trap leaks back into aquatic ecosystems.
They are found in the stomachs of fish, birds, whales and other creatures.
|
When you go out into nature, take home all that you carry with you.
Plastic bags
Tins and cans
Bottles
Papers
In fact, carry a small plastic bag with you and pick up, take home and throw away any 'rubbish' you come across as you enjoy your hiking. If we all do our bit, then the environment will benefit.