My mother sent me a link (to a link) of Blog Action Day. I read up on it and decided to say my piece. Technically I'm supposed to say it tomorrow, Oct. 15, but I like to get a jump on things.
So I'm supposed to blog about the environment--one aspect or issue that I feel strongly about. I would have to say, without question, that my hot-button topic is littering. I cannot ABIDE littering. Any of it, all of it, is just nasty, unsanitary, unsightly, and flat-out disgusting. And people seem so oblivious. Not only the litterers but anyone else that can walk by a piece of trash and not even consider picking it up. It's as if it's just a part of the world and everyday life. But it isn't, and it doesn't have to be. People can be more careful and notice when a trash can is too full for their trash instead of dumping it in anyway and letting it blow away. They can pick up the occasional bit of litter and beautify just one small corner of the world. They can teach their children the importance of cleaning up after themselves and not just letting that candy wrapper blow away in the wind. They can stop throwing trash in the storm drains that flow out into the oceans. They can smarten and stop littering in public parks, on public beachs, and in protected areas. HOW CAN WE ENJOY NATURE WHEN THERE'S A RED BULL CAN LYING AROUND??? And to save the biggest offense (in my opinion) for last, they can stop treating the world like a giant ash tray. Ideally, everyone would stop smoking, but that's the subject for another post. If they can't do that, then they should at least strive to throw their cigarette butts in the trash and not on the ground or out their car windows. I so wish the police would start ticketing for that...
So I challenge you to try, to consider this: when you see a piece of trash, consider that by picking it up, it's one piece of trash that bunches of other people don't have to see. Pay it forward.
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4 comments:
Great post, Alyssa. I didn't realize today was Blog Action Day, but I actually put up a link to a YouTube video from a man who makes a scary argument on global warming.
We live on a busy street and there is always a lovely line of litter marking our property, from the charming people who just could NOT hang onto their Coke can or chip bag another five seconds, God bless them.
Speaking of people who litter. I hate when smokers finish their cigarette and then just flick it onto the street/parking lot etc. As if the whole world is one giant ashtray. This annoys me more than I can say.
I totally agree with all you said. And you know, I often want to pick up trash while I'm walking, and sometimes do...but often don't want to touch it! I guess I need to start bringing a baggie around with me to pick stuff up. That'd be easy enough, and you're right, it'll make a difference.
Thanks for this post.
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