Trash

While walking back from the beach I was picking up trash on the way.  My grandson asked me why I was picking up other people’s trash. If you don’t  already know I work for the California State Parks in the summer months. It’s what I do all I’m day, pick up trash. I explained to him that if I didn’t pick it up, someone else might not pick it up either. If that keeps up, the trash just builds up. What amazes me is that most of the trash is within a few feet from a trash can! Why would someone just throw it on the ground? Entitlement, carelessness, a poor sense of environmental concern? Na, I think it’s mostly laziness. It’s too inconvenient to walk all the way to the trash can. I have even heard people say. “Hey, I’m giving someone a job”. Seriously? There are lots of jobs to do. Picking up your trash should not be one of them! I do know that sometimes animals can get in the trash cans and make a mess, but that is the exception. I see people almost on a daily basis who throw their soda cans, candy wrappers, or napkins on the ground. And they were going to walk right past a trash can! Humans, we can do better than this! 

Here’s how you can help. 

1. Be responsible for your personal trash.

2. If you see something on the ground in front of you, go ahead and pick it up. 

3. Encourage others to be respectful and responsible. 

4. Put the cover on the trash if possible to prevent animals from getting in. 

5. Volunteer on clean up days. 

6. Stop being lazy. (I just had to throw that one in.)

The State Park’s Motto, 

“Take only pictures, leave only footprints” 

is a good thing to remember. Will you do your part?