Littering
We all know what littering is and we all know its wrong. Throwing garbage on the ground is the most careless and laziness thing you can do. We’ve already done so much damage to our planet, it seems unthinkable to do it any more harm. Studies have shown that areas of high litter volume attract even more volume. That means places where people often litter only get worse - there’s already trash on the ground so what is a little going to hurt right? The most common forms of litter are fast food wrappers and paper. Fast food wrappers make up 33%, and paper adds another 29% of all litter on the ground today.
The effect of littering on the environment are unmistakable. Animals may get trapped or poisoned with litter in their habitats, and litter can end up in rivers and canals, polluting the water supply. About 100,000 sea mammals and turtles choke on or get tangled in plastic ocean debris each year. In the state of California, the punishment for first-time littering starts at a $100 (USD) fine and eight hours of picking up roadside litter. A defendant’s third offense and all subsequent offenses are punished with a minimum penalty of a $750 fine and 24 hours of litter cleanup (per offense). Not to mention, every 12 minutes a fire starts because of litter which is big problem for drier states out West.
Solution? Well obviously don’t litter… but if you’re reading the information on this site my guess is that you aren’t someone that does! Sometimes the only way to get something done is to do it yourself, so try and pick up one piece of litter every day. If we all do that millions of tons of trash will be disposed of properly every year. Clean up around your own house or office. Volunteer with your state or town to help clean up parks and common areas. Not only will you be helping the environment, you’ll be setting a great example as well.
THE FACTS
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The are many opportunities to help others understand the values of good citizenship.
Some of these are outlined at http://www.sullivanrenaissance.org; http://www.keeprocklandbeautiful.org and our programs at http://www.putnamcounty.com/kpb.
We’re happy to answer questions and are always looking for suggestions.
Walt Thompson
Program Manager
Keep Putnam Beautiful